Argentina vs Brazil LIVE: Copa America result and final score tonight
Lionel Messi and Neymar meet in the Maracanã in South American football’s showpiece match
Argentina have won the Copa America after a 1-0 win over Brazil at the Maracana Stadium in Rio.
Angel Di Maria scored the only goal of the game with a fine lob in the first half, with most of the game’s best chances thereafter coming in a late flurry during the closing stages. The opening goal, when it came, was simplicity itself: a direct, diagonal pass toward Angel Di Maria, missed entirely by Renan Lodi - and then beautifully lofted over Ederson’s head and into the net from the PSG attacker.
Gabriel did force one smart save from Martinez, who tipped over his fierce half-volley, but the game’s best late chance fell at the other end moments later - but Lionel Messi failed to finish from close range.
In the end, it mattered not at all and served to wind down more precious seconds on the clock, as the resolute Albiceleste continued to cling on until they heard the most anticipated of all final whistles in almost 30 years: the one which signalled their first Copa America triumph since the Gabriel Batistuta-inspired triumph of 1993, and the end of the long wait of Messi to add major international honours to his long line of successes.
Follow live updates, analysis and reaction to the Copa America final below:
73’ - Argentina 1-0 Brazil
Half a chance for Paqueta as he runs into the box onto a through ball, but he’s off-balance with the shot and sends it well wide. Renan Lodi is the latest player to be booked for a foul, then Pacqueta follows him and Tite is looking to his bench once more to try and force the issue somewhat more.
69’ - Argentina 1-0 Brazil
De Paul now into the book for hauling down Neymar on the run. Routine yellow. Romero is then fouled and stays down for treatment after colliding in mid-air with Firmino. Brazil are keen to get on with the game of course and it’s largely attack against defence at present.
66’ - Argentina 1-0 Brazil
Great work from Lautaro to rob the ball off the Brazil defence and feed Messi who sets off on a winding run - but he takes on one too many, even for him, and the ball is cleared when he had Di Maria waiting to run in on goal.
The great No10 is just under 25 minutes from finally winning a major tournament at international level - but there’s still a lot of work for Argentina to get through.
63’ - Argentina 1-0 Brazil
Messi swings over a free-kick for Argentina but Richarlison heads away. Changes afoot for both nations now as we head toward the final 25 minutes.
Vinicius Jr is on for Everton; Tagliafico is on for Lo Celso.
59’ - Argentina 1-0 Brazil
Approaching the hour mark. Argentina haven’t really threatened in this second half and it’s a bit of an onslaught from the hosts since the restart.
Firmino has brought plenty more movement and rotation of positions in attack, but hasn’t seen a chance fall his way yet.
Neymar catches De Paul in the face with a stray arm to end the latest attack and Argentina can regroup.
55’ - Argentina 1-0 Brazil
Big chance for Richarlison - big save from Martinez! Neymar opens up the space and feeds his team-mate down the right side of the box, but his first touch is poor and the shot is saved.
ARG sub: Paredes is replaced by Guido Rodriguez.
52’ - Argentina 1-0 Brazil
Richarlison has the ball in the net but the flag is quickly up. He tried to initially cross, it rebounded back to him and he finished neatly - but was offside a couple of moments earlier from the initial pass.
Still a one-goal lead for Argentina, but the Maracana is bouncing after that moment of excitement.
52’ - Argentina 1-0 Brazil
Yellow card for Lo Celso. He’s very late on Neymar and it was entirely on purpose taking his man down. Brazil looking more fired up at the start of this half.
48’ - Argentina 1-0 Brazil
Richarlison is complaining as he wants a corner or a free-kick - doesn’t get either of them. Brazil trying to pressure the game higher now with Firmino alongside Neymar, but it’s going to leave a few gaps in midfield as a result.
Messi quickly runs through that big space and takes Argentina upfield.
Second half underway
Here we go again - and Brazil have made a change.
Roberto Firmino is on for Fred at the break.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies