10 July 2021 · Rio de Janeiro
Brazil 0 — 1 Argentina
The wait breaks at the Maracanã.
Ángel Di María's finish gave Argentina its first senior title in 28 years—and changed the emotional life of Lionel Messi's national-team career.
Argentina entered the final carrying a 28-year title drought. Messi had lived through four lost finals. Against Brazil in Rio, the years of comparison, accusation, and disappointment converged on one night.
A team becomes itself
Lionel Scaloni had taken the job without the stature usually demanded of an Argentina coach. He gradually assembled a younger side around Messi, with Rodrigo De Paul's energy, Emiliano Martínez's authority, and a willingness to suffer together.
Brazil entered the final at home and unbeaten. In the 22nd minute, De Paul lifted a pass behind Renan Lodi. Di María controlled it and chipped Ederson. The move was direct, delicate, and enough.
Holding the line
The second half belonged to resistance. Brazil pressed, Argentina disrupted its rhythm, and Martínez protected the area. Messi missed a late chance to settle the match, leaving one final defensive stand before the whistle.
Teammates ran first toward Messi. Previous defeats had often been made into judgments about his relationship with the country. In the Maracanã, the whole squad shared the release.
What the title changed
The team's trust deepened through the Finalissima and an unbeaten run that carried into Qatar.
Di María, absent through injury from several earlier finals, scored the goal. Messi lifted his first senior international trophy. Argentina's 28-year wait was over.