In the end, Brazil’s dependence on Neymar was greater than Argentina’s on Lionel Messi. Argentina’s 12th goal of the tournament was the first and only one not to involve Messi — and it was enough to bring Messi the first senior title of his international career, as well as Argentina’s first since 1993.
The 1-0 victory in the Copa America final on Saturday was the fruit of Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni’s willingness to change a winning team — or at least one that had come through a semifinal after a penalty shootout. He changed five of the side — half of the outfield contingent — from the lineup of Tuesday’s game against Colombia. One was routine, with centre-back Cristian Romero returning after injury. Both full-backs were changed; Scaloni clearly wanting fresh legs down the flanks.
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— (@TheEuropeanLad) July 11, 2021