The 2021 Copa América has given both Argentina and Brazil a chance to extend their glorious resume in South American football, and this time, Angel Di María will go down in history for La Albiceleste even if they are not able to win the game.
The PSG winger gave Lionel Scaloni's men a one-nil lead just before the 25-minute mark with a delightful lobbed ball after Renán Lodi failed to clear a through ball by Rodrigo de Paul. Di Maria controlled the ball and without hesitation took a shot with his left foot and saw it go to the back of the net.
Di María's goal was Argentina's first shot on goal during the game, but what really stands out is that this was the first goal for La Albiceleste in a title match since their 4-1 defeat against Brazil in the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. Since that clash, the Argentine side had played four final games (three Copa América finals and the 2014 FIFA World Cup) without even finding the back of the net.
Have a look at Di María's golazo to open up the scoring in the 2021 Copa América final (Image might be geo-restricted).
GOAL ARGENTINA! ANGEL DI MARIA strikes first in the #CopaAmerica final! What a ball over the top by Rodrigo De Paul...
— Planet Fútbol (@si_soccer) July 11, 2021
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(via @FoxSoccer)pic.twitter.com/vhgDTxSifv