Neymar couldn’t hold back his tears after Argentina conquered his team, Brazil, a 1-0 win in the Copa America finale on Sunday at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium.
With this win, Argentina ended a 28-year wait for a major trophy and also smashed Brazil’s unbeaten home record that went back to more than 2,500 days.
Messi’s Argentina won the Copa for the first time since 1993, while injury meant Neymar was not part of the Brazil squad which won in 2019.
Argentina has won six games in a row, including their semi-final victory over Colombia, and is unbeaten across their past 20 games.
Before the final, Brazil was undefeated in their past 13 games and have only conceded two goals at Copa America 2021.
Argentina smoothed a violent and fractious event thanks to Di Maria’s goal in 22 minutes. The 33-year-old winger ran onto Rodrigo De Paul’s elegant through ball to lob Brazil goalkeeper Ederson with a first-time finish.
After breaking down in tears, Neymar was comforted by his teammates and members of the Brazil crew at the full-time whistle but still wept profusely.
He lifted his shirt to cover his face as joyous Argentinian players applauded in front of the small number of supporters that were permitted into the Maracana stadium to watch the game.
However, Messi and Neymar shared an emotional moment after the match as the PSG star and his friend had a warm embrace, concluded with a handshake.
In a physical clash, Brazil superstar Neymar earned plenty of attention while Messi was incapable of exuding his normal influence for La Albiceleste.
Brazil started the better but could only manage scuffed feats on goal from Everton and Richarlison before Argentina struck against the run of play.
