Argentina have won their first major football title in 28 years, beating hosts Brazil 1-0 to claim a record-equalling 15th Copa America crown.
Promoted to the starting line-up, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Di Maria coolly lobbed over Brazil goalkeeper Ederson for the only goal in the 22nd-minute of Saturday’s final in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.
Argentina had been Copa runners-up at four of the past seven tournaments, losing to Brazil in 2004 and 2007.
The triumph marks Lionel Messi’s maiden piece of major silverware with Argentina, with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner dominant for most of the tournament, finishing with most goals (four) and most assists (five).
In a physical encounter, Brazil superstar Neymar received plenty of attention while Messi was unable to exude his normal influence.
Brazil started the better but could only manage scuffed efforts on goal from Everton and Richarlison before Argentina struck against the run of play.
Rodrigo De Paul’s hopeful ball forward eluded Selecao left-back Renan Lodi, allowing Di Maria in behind and he calmly poked over the onrushing Ederson.
Di Maria was a constant threat in the first half, with a left-foot effort blocked by Marquinhos before Messi flashed wide.
With the half-time injection of Roberto Firmino, Brazil pressed and thought they had equalised in the 52nd minute when Richarlison hit the back of the net but was offside in the lead-up.
The Everton forward tested Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez at his near post shortly after, with the Aston Villa man saving smartly.
Brazil substitute Gabriel Barbosa had a late volley brilliantly thwarted by Martinez, before an exhausted Messi spurned a golden opportunity to seal the win from De Paul’s throughball.
Ferno
Guest
the footage: https://t.co/SqWQd8pStf
Ferno
Guest
Another touch of class by Messi in the final I have just watched tonight: A TV footage shows Argentinians player chanting in celebration at the end of the game, but as soon as some player start a offensive chanting mocking Brazilians, Messi (and aguero) immediately wave his hands asking to stop and to keep respect. Who could imagine an Argentinian number 10 would teach good manners to Britons supporters.
MarkCroydon
Roar Rookie
Either of these teams would have wiped the floor with Italy and England. This match was probably a preview of the next World Cup final.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
England's Sterling is the new Neymar, diving, simulation.
TheSecretScout
Roar Guru
C Ronaldo > Messi :football: :thumbup:
Trung
Guest
I disagree with the whole Messi needs a World Cup to secure his legacy. I mean if Messi chose to play for Spain he probably would have had not just one World Cup in 2010 but perhaps multiple with his influence but he wouldn’t have been the better player
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I do wonder about this particular "benchmark". It assumes the accolade for an individual is determined by the performance of their nation. Hence any reporter who follows such a line is saying the 'World's Best Player' cannot come from South Sudan, or Vanuatu, or Bolivia, or Cambodia. Hence whoever came up with this title, and all those journalists whose sentiment runs along such lines; I disagree. Great talent can emerge anywhere and any child with a bit of ability and a lot of belief can be the world's best, regardless of their origin. If the media could desist with their comparative narrative and reflect upon talent as it is, that would be nice.
Anibal Pyro
Roar Rookie
Well, actually Messi is now in race to be the only player of all history to win the GRAND SLAM . U20 WORLD CHAMPION, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL, CONTINENT CUP, AND WORLD CUP. He won all of them but the gold at WC, silver in that one.
Ferno
Guest
I mean decent. :laughing:
Ferno
Guest
Neymar is a very annoying person, but he has stopped diving all the time and is by far the only descent player in the Brazilian team. I have, in fact, enjoying his football lately. I agree 100%, though, that general quality of Brazilian players is at its lowest point since 1986/90.
Remote
Guest
I wonder watching this where has the Brazil Of old gone. Joga Bonito where are you? Pele can only look down at his shins and remember how bruised, battered and bloodied they were in the 1966 World Cup, himself literally kicked out. What does he think when he sees “Porcelain Man” Neymar. Anyway good luck to Messi, a long road to win a trophy with his country.
JGK
Roar Guru
A bit of a hackathon but the joy from the winners was incredible.
NoMates
Roar Rookie
Seen the highlights only, a lot of clear goal chances blown by both teams. Well done Argentina
BLACKTOWN
Roar Rookie