It was a big day for Argentina at the Maracana, as the Lionel Messi led team won the Copa America tournament after 28 years. However team Brazil who lost the final with 0-1 was heartbroken. As Messi finally got his hands on a major international trophy for the first time in his career, he was lifted on the shoulders by his teammates. The moment was historic.
However the sight which became the defining image of the tournament was that of Brazil forward Neymar breaking down in tears and Messi consoling him. Messi showed the true spirit of a sportsman as he came forward to hug Neymar, who was on his knees and crying profusely.
Neymar being consoled by his teammates, the manager, support staff as well as the captain of opposite team formed a heart-touching moment.
Messi and Neymar were both voted as the best players at the Copa America just before the final. While Neymar scored two goals and assisted three in five matches, Messi scored four times while providing five assists in six games. Messi who had scored a brace against Bolivia, and then added a goal in the quarterfinal match against Ecuador, is one short of equalling Pele’s record of the most international goals by a South American player.
Messi had the change to equal the Brazilian legend’s feat in the closing stages of the match, where he was one on one with the goalkeeper, but could not provide the finishing touches. Pele, in his legendary career, had also scored 77 goals for Brazil.
