Lionel Scaloni holds Lionel Messi after the match . PHOTO: AFP
July 11, 2021
“If the [everyday] Argentine knew him (Messi) like we do, he would love him much more than he loves him [already],” said Scaloni.
It’s a huge title,” said Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, after breaking the Albiceleste’s title drought going back almost three decades.
“I am happier for the boys than for me,” Buenos Aires Times quoted Scaloni as saying.
Argentina saw off Brazil 1-0 in the final of the Copa América 2021 in the Maracanã early Sunday morning , securing their first trophy in 28 years.
“It is a huge title, especially for our people. I hope that the Argentines enjoy it. The fans support the team unconditionally. I think they can identify with this team that never gives up,” said Scaloni.
“It was a very difficult Copa América. Luckily it was possible for us this time,” he added.
Ahead of the clash, giant images of Lionel Messi lit up Rosario.
Questioned by some for his inexperience when he took on the job leading the Albiceleste at the end of 2018, Scaloni has now led Argentina to its first trophy since 1993 Copa América in Ecuador.
The 43-year-old took over the reins of a team in need of a generational change. The big question was Messi, and how to build a team around him, after a string of painful final defeats in the 2015 and 2016 Copa Américas and the 2014 World Cup.
With Sunday’s 1-0 tight victory over arch-rivals Brazil, Messi won his first title with the senior national side.
“If the [everyday] Argentine knew him (Messi) like we do, he would love him much more than he loves him [already],” said Scaloni.
The coach highlighted the unity and commitment of his squad.
“When we all move forward, it is difficult for us not to do well. We have a football culture that is difficult to find in other countries. When everyone lines up, great things can be achieved,” he said.
“The group understood what it is to play with this shirt (…) commitment and unity takes you forward,” he added.
At the end of the match at the Maracanã, Scaloni held a long emotional embrace with Messi, before being swamped by his players.
“I am happier for the boys than for me,” he said.
Argentina ended their 28-year wait to lift the Copa America after Angel Di Maria’s first-half goal clinched a 1-0 victory over Brazil in Saturday’s final at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Di Maria, who was promoted to the starting line-up for the final match, coolly lobbed over Brazil goalkeeper Ederson for the 22nd-minute winner.
Argentina had been Copa runners-up at four of the past seven tournaments, losing to rivals Brazil in 2004 and 2007, but finally claimed the country’s 15th continental crown.
The triumph also marks Lionel Messi’s maiden piece of major silverware with Argentina, with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner dominant throughout the tournament.
He finished with most goals (four) and most assists (five).
In a physical encounter, Brazil superstar Neymar received plenty of attention while Messi was unable to exude his normal influence for La Albiceleste.
Brazil started the better but could only manage scuffed efforts on goal from Everton and Richarlison before Argentina struck against the run of play.
The outstanding Rodrigo De Paul’s hopeful ball forward eluded Selecao left-back Renan Lodi, allowing Di Maria in behind and he calmly poked over the onrushing Ederson.
Di Maria was a constant threat in the first half, with a left-foot effort blocked by Marquinhos before Messi flashed wide.
With the half-time injection of Roberto Firmino, Brazil pressed and thought they had equalised in the 52nd minute when Richarlison hit the back of the net.
But he was offside in the lead-up.
The Everton forward tested Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez at his near post shortly after, with the Aston Villa man saving smartly.
Brazil substitute Gabriel Barbosa had a late volley brilliantly thwarted by Martinez, before an exhausted Messi spurned a golden opportunity to seal the win from De Paul’s through ball.
