COPA America: Lionel Messi leads Argentina to triumph over Brazil 

• Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 to clinch the Copa America trophy 

Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory over Brazil in the Copa America final. 

Argentina finally managed to win a major trophy after a 28-year wait – and secure Lionel Messi’s first major international trophy.

It was Angel di Maria who broke the deadlock with the only goal of the match in the 22nd minute.

The PSG playmaker was played through on goal via a stunning long pass from Rodrigo De Paul, before lobbing Brazil’s goalkeeper Ederson with ease, leaving him helpless.

As the half went on, Brazil failed to impose themselves and Argentina contained their rivals successfully to take their lead into halftime.

Tite’s Brazilian men came out in the second half fired up and ramped up the pressure on Argentina, as their goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was called into action right away.

Richarlison thought he had bagged the equaliser just minutes into the half but it was correctly ruled out for offside.

Despite the early pressure and attacking substitutions, the Argentines managed to deal with it well, and defended their slender lead brilliantly.