MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 23: Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates as he scores their third goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Bernabeu on April 23, 2017 in Madrid, Spain.
Lionel Messi and his International slump of no trophies continues Tuesday night after Argentina’s 2-0 loss against Brazil in the Copa America semifinals. Argentina hasn’t won a major international trophy in 26 years. The host nation Brazil moves on to the final to play the winner of Chile and Peru.
Brazil’s head coach Tite was on the hot seat after losing to Belgium in the 2018 World Cup for an early exit in disappointing fashion. Despite losing Neymar Jr. before the start of the tournament, analysts relayed the importance of winning this 2019 Copa America for Tite in order to keep his job for Brazil. Defeating their main South American archrivals Argentina proved to be a massive step in the right direction for the team and the coaching staff. Two of the bigger South American teams didn’t hold back with each other in terms of being feisty and physical. The head official had his hands full in Tuesday’s affair trying to control the tempers of both teams with a wild crowd on his heels. There were 31 total fouls with seven yellow cards issued.
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Brazil’s solid defensive display was a capstone to build upon, not allowing Messi any space as the Brazilian’s closed him down in waves whenever he found the ball. Brazil struck early in the first 20 minutes, with Gabriel Jesus scoring from Roberto Firmino’s assist. From there, the Brazilians sat deep and absorbed pressure, until they found a moment to counter-attack with the two goal contributors from the first goal swapping roles. Firmino put the came to bed in the 71st minute from an assist from Jesus. This shutout makes five straight games for Brazil not conceding a goal. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker hasn’t been scored on this tournament.
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Brazil now have the chance to earn their ninth Copa America, the first title since 2007 with the final on Sunday. Uruguay leads the pack with 15 total titles, followed by Argentina’s 14. Peru or Chile will meet the Brazilians in the final after their match on Wednesday.
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