BY Idris Shehu
Lionel Messi has ended his hunt for a major international trophy as Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final at the Maracana Stadium.
International success has always eluded the 34-year-old despite his enormous accomplishments with Barcelona FC.
As Esteban Ostojich, the referee, blew the game’s final whistle on Sunday, Messi sank to the ground in elation before he was rushed by his teammates and hurled in the air severally.
The triumph didn’t only break the serial Balon D’or winners’ international title jinx; it also shattered Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought.
Losing to Chile in two consecutive Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016, crowned with another defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, Argentina and Messi have always come close.
However, at the Maracana, all it took was one goal: a match-winning, cup-winning left-footed chip from Angel Di Maria off a brilliant pass from Rodrigo de Paul.
Messi was also named the player of the tournament.
The victory came at the expense of Brazil and Neymar, his former Barcelona teammate and friend, who was left in tears in front of the Rio Di Janeiro fans.
Brazil, defending champions, were uninspiring all through the game, managing to conjure just a few chances that were expertly saved by the brilliance of Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina showed they wanted it more, and with Messi’s mercurial influence on the pitch, they earned it.
After 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and six Ballons d’Or, the victory on Sunday was the jewel that Messi needed on his crown as one of the greatest footballers ever.
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