Barcelona legend Lionel Messi ends long wait for Copa America glory with Argentina

Barcelona icon Lionel Messi’s long wait for a first international trophy was ended when Angel Di Maria got the only goal as Argentina defeated hosts Brazil in the Copa America final.

Di Maria, 33, latched onto Rodrigo De Paul’s searching through ball and elegantly chipped over Ederson’s head in the 22nd minute at Rio De Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium. This delightful strike would prove enough to bring glory to their celebrated international compatriot after four previous losses in major finals, plus witnessed Los Albiceleste lift silverware for the first time since 1993.

Messi – playing in his 10th competition with Argentina – fell to the ground in joy upon the final whistle, before being mobbed by team-mates and thrown into the air.

Attention will now centre on a contract extension at Barcelona. The 34-year-old is, technically, a free agent.

Here’s how we covered it on social media:

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