Copa America Final:  Argentina end 28-year drought, win first major title since 1993

Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 to win the Copa America final. The winning goal came in the 22nd minute after Rodrigo de Paul made a long pass to Ángel di Maria. The 33-year-old counted on some sloppy defending from left-back Renan Lodi to take control and lob it past goalkeeper Ederson.

Emotions galore in the field after the match ended. Argentina had one of the memorable celebrations while Brazil’s Neymar broke down and was consoled by Messi with a tight hug. Meanwhile, Twitter also couldn’t keep calm and reactions began to pour in.

Superstar Lionel Messi won his first trophy with his national team after numerous World Cup heartbreaks.

The victory at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium ended Argentina's 28-year wait for a major trophy, and also ended Brazil's unbeaten home record that stretched back more than 2,500 days.

Argentina had last tasted success at a major tournament in 1993 when the great Gabriel Batistuta's brace gave them a 2-1 win over Mexico in the Copa final in Ecuador. It was the first time in six editions playing at home that Brazil had failed to lift the trophy.

In a frantic start, Argentina's 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 semi-final win over Peru while Scaloni made five alterations, notably bringing in Di Maria -- who made an energetic and decisive entry off the bench against Colombia last time out.

The final was the first match of the tournament, which was originally due to take place last year, to allow in fans as 7,800 -- a tenth of the Maracana capacity -- took their seats after authorities partially lifted pandemic restrictions.

Argentina played with aggression and commitment, but no lack of quality with Di Maria tormenting Brazil's left back Renan Lodi, who probably should have cut out De Paul's pass for the winger's goal.

When the hosts did finally maintain some pressure late in the first half, Everton's deflected strike bobbled though to goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Messi slipped embarrassingly late on with a chance to clinch victory but it mattered little as moments later his teammates were tossing him in the air to celebrate their win.