Barcelona captain Leo Messi is full of pride after leading Argentina to the Copa America final triumph.
Messi finally celebrated winning a major title with his country 16 years after his first cap after Angel Di Maria’s first half lob secured a 1-0 victory over arch-rivals Brazil in the final at the Maracana.
An international trophy had for a long time been the only trophy left to win for the 34-year-old icon after suffering final heartache in three previous Copa Americas and the 2014 World Cup.
Messi told TyC Sports: “The truth is that this is crazy. There would be no better moment than this. The happiness is immense, I knew that at some point it was going to happen. The happiness I feel right now indescribable.
“After the last Copa I told these players that they will be the future of the National Team. I was not mistaken, and now today we are champions.
“I had a lot of confidence in this group, which has grown in strength since the last Copa America. They are a group of very good people, who advance and do not complain.
“I’m very happy! I dreamed about this many times.”