Copa America final: Messi dedicates victory to Maradona, fans


.. As Argentina defeats Brazil 1-0

By Joseph Temidayo & Oluwatimilehin Ayomikun

LIONEL Lionel Messi has dedicated an emotional Copa America triumph that saw him break a senior international trophy duck to “45 million Argentines” and Diego Maradona, “wherever he is”.

Messi has, after helping Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Brazil at the Maracana, posted on Instagram: “It was an incredible Copa America. 

“We know that we can still improve a lot of things, but the truth is that the guys gave it everything and I can’t be more proud to have the luck of being captain of this spectacular group.

“I want to dedicate this success to my family, who always gave me the strength to move forward, to my friends that I love so much, to all the people who believe in us and most of all to the 45 million Argentines who have endured such a tough time with this virus ..., especially those that have been personally affected.

“This is for all, and of course also for Diego, who surely was supporting us from wherever he is.

“In order to continue celebrating we have to continue taking care of ourselves. 

“Let’s not forget that there is still a long way to go to return to normality and I hope we can take advantage of this happiness to gain a little strength to fight the virus together.”

Barcelona are reportedly ready to offer Messi a new contract. The Catalan giants have been working for days to resolve salary issue, with the goal to make a renewal announcement as soon as possible that would keep Messi in Spain until June 30, 2023. The agreement is imminent, with only the signature is missing.


Argentina defeats Brazil 1-0

Messi, 34, finally claimed top-level honours with his country in his 10th major tournament - while Argentina defeated Brazil on Sunday to win first Copa America after 28 years, 

Angel Di Maria proved the match-winner, with his superb lob the only goal of the game.

Messi had a chance to sign off the win but slipped with the goal at his mercy.

Everton forward Richardson had Brazil's best chances, seeing an effort ruled out for offside and then stinging the fingers of keeper,, Emi Martinez, who also saved from Gabriel Barbosa, but the defending champions fell short in a disappointing performance.


It means Messi's opposite number 10 and former Barcelona team-mate Neymar's own personal pursuit of international success continues, having missed Brazil's 2019 Copa win through injury 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.

The sparse home supporters made their voices heard, though, particularly every time Messi touched the ball, booing and jeering the forward.

The tournament, delayed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic and moved from initial co-hosts Colombia and Argentina, was switched to 2019 hosts Brazil in a last-minute decision which received criticism in light of a surge in coronavirus cases in the country.


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