Lionel Messi, at the age of 34, finally won his first major international tournament by helping Argentina beat bitter rivals, hosts and defending champions Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final in Rio de Janeiro.
It was the Barcelona legend's 10th major tournament for his country, who last won South America's most prestigious title back in 1993.
Messi's four goals across the competition, along with his overall contribution, were enough to see him clinch the award for player of the tournament as well as his maiden Golden Boot award at international level.
But it was PSG's former Manchester United winger Angel di Maria who provided the decisive moment in Saturday night's final when he lobbed the goalkeeper after a lofted through-ball from Rodrigo de Paul.
Messi almost made it the perfect storybook ending, but slipped when seemingly well-placed to complete a 2-0 victory.
🏆 First major trophy with Argentina
— Sporting Life Football & Infogol (@InfogolApp) July 11, 2021
⚽️ First international Golden Boot
🤩 Second Copa America Player of the Tournament
🇦🇷👏 It's taken Lionel Messi 16 years to add an international honour to his legendary career, but he did it in style.#MessiCampeon #CopaAmericaFINAL pic.twitter.com/mifrRbAHJe
#CopaAmérica 🏆
— Copa América (@CopaAmerica) July 11, 2021
¡¡¡EL GRITO DE TODO UN PAÍS!!! 🇦🇷 🤩🥳
🇦🇷 Argentina 🆚 Brasil 🇧🇷#VibraElContinente #VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/sbX8zaOBY3
🤩🔟📱🥇#CopaAmérica#VibraElContinente#VibraOContinente pic.twitter.com/Av4B3knLms
— Copa América (@CopaAmerica) July 11, 2021
