Rio de Janeiro: As the Copa America win brought glory to Lionel Messi-led Argentina, on the other hand, it resulted in agony for another superstar Neymar’s Brazil.
Soon after the final whistle signalling the end of Argentina’s Copa America long 28-year drought, the Blue and white men ran towards the leader Messi on side of the frame. The other side showed Neymar down on his haunches in moist eyes.
The Brazilian teammates, manager and support staff consoled the former Barcelona player. But one consolation that made the frame of the day was Messi’s long hug to his former clubmate, who was visibly down and out.
The duo spent together four years at Barcelona before Neymar moved to Paris Saint-Germain.
Argentina won their first Copa America title after 28 years, also giving Messi his first trophy in Argentina jersey. Before Sunday, Messi’s wins at the international stage were the U-20 FIFA World Cup (2005) and a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Earlier, Angel Di Maria scored the winner in the 22nd minute to give the tourists a 1-0 win over Brazil.
