Lionel Messi Captains Argentina To The 2021 Copa America Glory.

Argentina defeats Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final to secure the country’s first title in 28 years.

The match which went down at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, was the first in the tournament to have spectators in attendance, with just a small crowd of 7,000 invited guests, because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Argentina took the lead over their bitter rivals in the 22nd minute courtesy of Angel Di Maria goal.

Rodrigo de Paul made a long pass to the former Real Madrid and Manchester United man (Di Maria) who counted on some sloppy defending lapses from left-back Renan Lodi to take control and effortlessly lift the ball  past a helpless goalkeeper Ederson.

It was only the third goal Brazil conceded in the tournament, and their first home defeat since the World Cup third-place playoff in 2014.

Defending champions Brazil had started the brighter of the two finalists, with Neymar trying hard with dribbles and passes, but the Selecao barely threatened Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. 

The game was watched by a small crowd of 7,000 invited guests, because of Covid-19 restrictions, but was the first of the tournament to have spectators in attendance.

Meanwhile the victory meant so much for one man "Lionel Messi" who is the captain of the Argentine side.

Messi had lifted 34 club trophies during his legendary career, but now, at the age of 34, he has done the one thing that has alluded him, which is winning an international trophy.

Argentina had lost seven consecutive finals since their last major tournament win in 1993, including a back-to-back Copa Americas and a World Cup but finally ended it the hoodoo in Sunday's final.

The Barcelona superstar helped Argentina to the Copa America tile which niether football legends "Diego Maradona, nor Pele" has won.

Messi emerged top scorer of the tournament with four goals and five assist, also finishing as the best playmaker, and the Player of the tournament.

He became Argentina most capped player in their group stage 4-1 win against Bolivia where scoring twice and making one assist in the game and surpassing Javier Mascherano's record.

Messi has now played 151 games for Argentina, scoring 76 goals, clinching  2 Copa America Best Player, 1 Copa America Golden Boot, and now the trophy itself.

He now has a chance of winning the World Cup - something Argentina have not done since 1986 - should he lead his country out in Qatar at the age of 35 in December 2022.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has be spectacularly immensed since the start of this year, scoring a total of 36 goals, and creating 33 assist in 38 appearances. He won 26 Man of the Match awards, emerged the player with the most goals and most assists in the 2020/21 La Liga season and won the Copa del Rey title.

His future as a Barcelona player still remains unclear after he became a free agent since the end of his contract two weeks ago - although Barca have stepped up their negotiation attempts to keep hold of their star man who has played 520 games and scoring 474 goals for the club.

He has won 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League titles, 6 European Golden Shoes, 6 La Liga Best Player, and 8 La Liga top scorers award.