Picture Credit: Twitter
The Lionel Messi-led Argentina decimated Italy 3-0 to win the inaugural "Finalissima" at the magical Wembley Stadium on Wednesday. Goals from Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria sealed the first big-ticket clash between the winners of the Euros and Copa America. The Finalissima is the rebirth of the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions that has been played only twice before, in 1985 and 1993.
Messi started off the proceedings as set up the first goal for Martinez, who netted the ball with a close-range tap-in finish. Then at the end of the first half, Di Maria showed off his class as he scored with a scintillating chip shot over a charging Gianluigi Donorumma to make the score 2-0. Super Sub Dybala hit the last nail in the coffin to seal a historic win. But throughout the game, Messi lit up Wembley with magical dribbles and sharp pinpoint passing and movement.
The La Albiceleste Legend had a beautiful performance to win his second major honor with his national team. After the match, addressing, Messi’s brilliance, his teammates hoisted him and tossed him up in the air in celebration. The Paris Saint-Germain forward was elated and emotional. The team also sang, “De la mano de Leo Messi”! which translates to ‘hand in hand with Leo Messi.
While talking about the final, Messi said, "It was a beautiful final, full of Argentinians. What we've experienced here was beautiful. We knew it was going to be an attractive game and a nice setting to be champion. We can compete against anyone. Today it was a good test because Italy is a great team."