Finally...Argentina

Superstar Lionel Messi won his first trophy with his national team as Angel Di Mariarsquos goal gave Argentina a 10 win over hosts Brazil in the Copa America final on SaturdayThe victory at Rio de Janeirorsquos Maracana stadium ended Argentinarsquos 28year wait for a major trophy and also ended Brazilrsquos unbeaten home record that stretched back more than 2500 dayslsquoGreat titlersquoArgentina had last tasted success at a major tournament in 1993 when the great Gabriel Batistutarsquos brace gave them a 21 win over Mexico in the Copa final in Ecuador ldquoItrsquos a great title especially for our people The fans support the team unconditionally I think they can identify with this team that never gives inrdquo said Argentina coach Lionel ScaloniIt was the first time in six editions playing at home that Brazil had failed to lift the trophy And while 34yearold Messirsquos odyssey has come to an end Brazilrsquos Neymar five years his junior is still without a major title at international level having missed the Selecaorsquos win on home soil two years ago through injuryArgentina edged a brutal and fractious affair thanks to Di Mariarsquos goal on 22 minutes The 33yearold winger ran onto Rodrigo De Paulrsquos sumptuous through ball to lob Brazil goalkeeper Ederson with a first time finishMessi could have wrapped up the win two minutes from time but slipped when clean through with only Ederson to beat ldquoWe have to be big enough to recognise the defeat regardless of how painful and difficult it isrdquo said Brazil coach TiteIn a frantic start Argentinarsquos burly enforcer Nicolas Otamendi was quickly in with his first foul while Brazilian midfielder Fred picked up the first booking after just three minutes for a studs up lunge at Gonzalo Montiel Brazil were unchanged from their semifinal win over Peru while Scaloni made five alterations notably bringing in Di Mariamdashwho made an energetic and decisive entry off the bench against Colombia last time outFirst chanceThe first clear chance came on 13 minutes as Richarlison headed down Marquinhosrsquos long ball into the path of Neymar but the Brazilian star was crowded out by a pair of defenders The brutal nature of the early challenges could be seen on the playersrsquo kits with Neymar sporting ripped shorts and Lucas Paqueta being left with a hole in his sock following an intervention by Otamendi Argentina played with aggression and commitment but no lack of quality with Di Maria tormenting Brazil4No of goals scored by Argentinarsquos Lionel Messi and Colombiarsquos Luis Diacuteaz to finish as Copa Americarsquos top scorersThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever