Argentina and Lionel Messi win the Copa America: 3 things we learned

Argentina won their first Copa America since 1993 and Lionel Messi finally grabbed a trophy for his country. Here’s what we learned. 

It was a tough and hard fought game, but in the end it was Argentina who upset Brazil at home 1-0 on Saturday night at Rio’s Maracana Stadium.

The game was notable for the duel between Lionel Messi and Neymar and in the end it was the Argentine playmaker who came out on top. Messi, who was 0-for-9 with the Albiceleste at major tournaments, broke the jinx and finally won something for his country.

In many ways, the victory cements Messi’s place as one of the game’s greatest players after years of club success with Spanish giants Barcelona.

The win was the latest chapter in the long-simmering rivalry between Argentina and Brazil, traditionally two of the best teams in the world. For now, Neymar also remains winless with his senior national team at either the World Cup or Copa America.

Here are three things we learned following the Argentina-Brazil clash.

Lionel Messi’s supporting cast comes through

At both World Cups and past editions of the Copa America, it was Argentina that found ways to lose games. They did so primarily after missing chances early on. Not this time.

It was winger Angel Di Maria’s goal after just 22 minutes. After that, it the match was a long, hard slog. Argentina clung to the lead as Brazil squandered several chances and Naymar was unable to generate any attack.

Argentina (and Messi) finally win something

Yes, Messi finally won a trophy but so did Argentina. The drought dated back to their last victory at the 1993 Copa America. The win also bodes well for the Albiceleste as they prepare for World Cup qualifying and contend for the World Cup next year in Qatar.

Messi, meanwhile, played and lost the Copa America finals in 2007, 2015 and 2016. In addition, he suffered heartbreak in the 2014 World Cup final, losing to Germany at the Maracana. Those ghosts have finally been exorcised.

Brazil, of course, will regroup

The Brazilians are no strangers to victory and defeat. The Selecao had a great tournament, but destiny seemed to be on Argentina’s side when it mattered most. Brazil manager Tite even tried to change the game’s dynamic by replacing defensive midfielder Fred for Roberto Firmino. It didn’t work, even though they had more ball possession but few real scoring chances.

Neymar was reduced to tears at the final whistle and his hug with Messi was emotional. Brazil have the players to regroup and exact revenge at the World Cup. It’s a tough defeat for them but they are, after all, Brazil. They are perennial contenders. Even in defeat that hasn’t changed.