Copa America Final 2021 Highlights: Argentina Beat Brazil 1-0

Argentina won the Copa America title for the first time since 1993 as they beat Brazil 1-0 in the final at the historic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. 

Messi has been part of three Copa America finals

• The 2021 Copa America is Messi's 10th tournament with Argentina. 
• He has been part of 4 FIFA World Cups and 6 editions of the competition which decides the champions of South America.
• Messi has been a runner-up on three occasions with Argentina at the Copa America.
• He was part of the losing side in 2007, 2015, and 2016 respectively.

Notable numbers of Argentina 

• This is the 29th final appearance for Argentina in Copa America, previously known as the South American Championship.
• The tournament was changed to Copa America since the 1975 edition.
• Argentina have qualified for their seventh final in the Copa America era.
• They have won the tournament twice, besides being a runner-up on four occasions.
• They have lost each of their last four finals.

Neymar is key player for Brazil

• Football star Neymar has netted two goals and provided three assists for Brazil so far at Copa America 2021.
• Neymar, who has 68 goals for Brazil, will be pivotal for his side in the final.
• In 2021, he has scored four goals for Brazil so far.

The game changer moves

• Di Maria scores

It's a shocker for the hosts as Angel Di Maria puts Argentina ahead with an impressive chip over the Brazilian goal-keeper. It was a long pass from the mid-field and Di Maria dropped it over Ederson.

• Messi shoots

Leo Messi gets a chance to shoot but it is wide off the post.

• Paredes booked, Neymar wins free-kick

Paredes gets a booking and Neymar wins a freekick in a good area. But the shot was fired straight into the Argentine wall and the threat was nullified by the Blue and Whites.

• Di Maria rolls out injured

Angel Di Maria chases a long ball on the right flank but his foot gets stuck in the ground. He rolls out and looks to be in pain as the Brazil players urge the referee to continue the action. Di Maria is back on the field after a few minutes.

• Thiago Silva misses a chance from the corner

Brazil wina corner and it is driven into the near post where Thiago Silva gets a header in but it is glanced and runs out of play.

Halftime: Argentina 1-0 Brazil

• Messi gets into action

The 50th minute and Messi runs into some space on the right. He puts it in the centre for Di Maria to have a go but his shot is blocked.

• Lo Celso fouls Neymar, booked

Neymar is fouled in the middle of the pitch as Lo Celso comes flying in and it is a late tackle. The Argentine is booked and Neymar looks in pain.

• Richarlison goal ruled out due to off side

Richarlison gets the ball in the back of the net early on but he is ruled offside. The celebrations come to a sudden halt.

• Neymar goes down inside the box, but no penalty

Neymar got the ball inside the box but went down after a challenge. It was soft and the referee had nothing to offer to the Brazil number 10.

• Paqueta shoots

Paqueta is driven wide off the post by Tagliafico and his shot is way off target.

• Di Maria substituted

Di Maria is taken off and Palacios comes on. Two more changes for Argentina as they look to get in fresh legs to keep their lead intact.

• Great save by Martinez

Brazil came close again. The ball sits down perfectly for Gabi, who shoots, but Martinez saves.

• Messi misses a golden chance

Messi runs down the left flank and then gets the pass inside the box. He fails to beat the keeper Ederson in a one on one situation.

Argentina wins and Messi's wait is over!