Copa America: Messi's Argentina end drought, clinch first international title after 28 years

Argentina and Lionel Messi lifted their first international trophy in 28 years with a 1-0 win over Brazil in the Copa America final. Winger Angel Di Maria ended Argentina's trophy drought, cheekily lobbing the ball past Brazil 'keeper Ederson early in the first half. Here's a look at how Argentina went on to lift the Copa America trophy.

Argentina winger Angel Di Maria opened the scoreline in the 22nd minute, cheekily lobbing the ball above Brazil goalkeeper Ederson into the net | Credit: AFP Photo

After maintaining their lead in the first half, Argentina were on their toes, made to deal with attack after attack from the Brazilians | Credit: AFP Photo

Argentina custodian Emiliano Martinez and his defence had some nerve-wracking moments, like shown in the picture when Richarlison equalised for Brazil, only to be considered offside later | Credit: Reuters Photo

Messi was offered a glorious opportunity to extend Argentina's lead minutes before the end of regulation time, but squandered it | Credit: AFP Photo

However, Argentina thwarted Brazil's attempts and Messi and his teammates went on to win their first-ever international trophy. The players and staff lifted their skipper, the man carrying on his shoulders the hopes of millions of Argentinians for nearly two decades | Credit: AFP Photo

Emiliano Martinez bagged the Golden Glove Award, Messi the Top Scorer Award, and Di Maria the MVP of the Match | Credit: AFP Photos

And finally, Argentina lifted their first international trophy since the 1993 Copa America in Ecuador | Credit: Reuters Photo