Argentina finally ended a trophy drought of 28 years when they lifted the Copa America trophy by defeating Brazil in the final.
It was a historic night both for the Argentine football team and their captain Lionel Messi, as one of the greatest players of all time added another feather to his much-decorated career.
A first-half goal from Ángel di María was enough to secure the win for Argentina, as the full-time whistle triggered scenes of celebrations at the Estadio do Maracana.
Messi was the centrepiece of the Argentine celebrations as the captain led his troops to victory against eternal rivals on enemy territory.
But despite looking happier than he has done in years, Messi did not let the occasion get the better of him–as seen from the time when he stopped his teammate Rodrigo De Paul from making fun of their rivals Brazil in the midst of the celebrations.
Footage of the aforementioned incident has gone viral on social media platforms after the game.
As de Paul – the man of the match on the night – was just starting off with a chant to mock their rivals, Messi stopped him in his tracks.
The skipper voiced his displeasure by saying “no, no” and walking away right when the newly signed Atletico Madrid player started off with a song saying “Brasileiro, Brasileiro”.
The footage went viral online, as fans from both sides applauded Messi who was not willing to mock their eternal rivals even after outplaying them on their own soil and earning their historic victory.
Known for his incredible humility apart from his world-class talent, Messi proved once again why he is considered the greatest of all time both for his exploits on the pitch and off it.
During the Copa America victory celebrations, Rodrigo de Paul was about to start a song which made fun of Brazil.
— infosfcb (@infosfcb) July 12, 2021
Messi stopped de Paul from doing it. Agüero was about to start singing too but then refrained when the captain said no.
Leader 🐐
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