In a moment of respect between two geniuses of the game and old friends, Lionel Messi was embraced by Neymar after the former ended his major international drought with Argentina in Copa America final.
A solitary goal from Di Maria in Argentina vs Brazil Copa America final ensured Lionel Messi ended his major international title drought with l the national team.
Angel di Maria chipped the ball over goalkeeper's head to give Argentina a 1-0 lead in first half in Brazil vs Argentina Copa America final.
Messi dished up four goals and five assists in six matches. Neymar delivered two goals and three assists in five games.
Brazil holds a 3-1 edge in their 84-year history of matches.
Brazil seeks its 10th South American title, while Argentina is going for its 15th, which would put it level with record winners Uruguay.
Neymar's Brazil team, the defending champions, and Lionel Messi's challengers have won a combined seven World Cups and 23 continental titles.
It is believed the mocking was revenge on the Colombian defender for his wild celebration against Luis Suarez's Uruguay in the quarter-finals earlier.
Lionel Messi said that he is 'thrilled than ever' at the prospect of winning an elusive international trophy.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved three penalties in a shootout against Colombia — using some well-timed trash talk against his opponents — to put his team into Saturday's Copa America final against Brazil.
Argentina won its semifinal against Colombia 3-2 on penalties after three saves by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Since January, Messi has scored 33 goals and assisted a further 13 in 36 matches he appeared for Argentina and now-former club Barcelona.
Beat the impressive Ospina and Colombia, and Argentina will take on Brazil in Saturday's decider.
Messi has led Argentina to the semifinals where it plays Colombia on Tuesday at the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia.
Messi scored from a late freekick and earlier laid on two assists as Argentina eventually subdued Ecuador and kept the superstar's dream of winning his first major international title alive.
Messi crafted a beautiful free-kick in the closing minutes to ensure Argentina win 3-0 after assisting both Lautaro Martinez and Rodrigo de Paul goals on the night.
Argentina topped its group with three wins and one draw, and Messi in great shape. The captain scored three goals in the four games while setting a record for most Argentina caps.
Messi has some of the best statistics so far at the Copa America and hee capped the group stage on Monday with two goals and an assist in Argentina's 4-1 win over Bolivia.
The hottest competition could be on the other side of the draw, where arch rivals Argentina and Uruguay have the chance to meet in the semifinals.
The Barcelona superstar also became Argentina's most capped international player on Monday as this was his 148th appearance for Argentina.
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