Emi
Martinez – Bra
Hero in the semifinal against Colombia, he barely had work in the first half but saved the 1-1 up to two times in the second. First repelled as best he could from a point-blank shot by Richarlison and then with a saving hand after a shot from Gabigol in the 87th minute.
Montiel – Defender
He regained his place in the eleven and made a great game in defense. He was seen less than usual in attack, yes.
Cuti
Rosemary – immense
What a defender Juventus has missed. Named the best defender in Serie A this season, the Atalanta center-back returned after missing the quarterfinals and semifinals due to injury and had a more than remarkable performance alongside Otamendi. Always well positioned, he gave a lesson without the ball.
Otamendi – Phoenix
One of the most pleasant surprises for Argentina in this Copa América. At the age of 33, he became the leader of the Albiceleste defense and signed it with a tremendous final, in which despite going hard in some action, he was an insurmountable wall for Neymar and company.
Acuna – immeasurable
A starter to the detriment of Tagliafico, he was a constant headache for any Brazilian player who crossed his path. In the second half he suffered more with Richarlison on the right until, with the entry of Tagliafico, he advanced his position.
Walls – Abrupt
He even gave his identity card to Neymar, his partner at PSG. Reprimanded, he was the first substituted in Argentina.
From
Paul – Big deal
A tremendous addition that Atlético de Madrid has made. The still Udinese footballer signed his formidable tournament by assisting Di María in the Argentine goal and giving a technical, tactical and physical display in the very final.
It
Celso – Heeling
A fixed for Scaloni, he intervened less than usual when playing heeled on the left.
Messi – relieved
Ironies of fate, his first title with the Absolute came after what was surely the worst of his five finals. He searched hard for the goal and was about to find it 3 minutes from the end, but stumbled when he had everything to make it 2-0. His image raising the Copa América to the sky of Maracanã, to remember. Best player, top scorer and leader in assists. GOAT.
Gave
Mary – Deja vu
Author of the goal that gave the albiceleste the gold medal in the 2008 Olympic Games, the ‘Fideo’ was once again in charge of scoring the goal that gave Argentina its first title after 28 years of drought. As in Beijing, he did it with a petroleum jelly. He was named MVP of the final.
Lautaro
Martinez – Necessary
Basic in the operation of this selection. Huge effort in pressure and containment, he does an invaluable job for Scaloni.
THE CHANGES
Guido
Rodriguez – Risky
He entered through Paredes to give consistency to the Argentine midfield. He fell asleep in a play inside the area in which the maximum penalty was played on Gabigol.
Tagliaphic – Squire
Holder in the semifinals, he replaced Lo Celso and was behind Acuña.
Pezzella – Auxiliary
Seeing that Romero, limping, was showing symptoms of fatigue, Scaloni turned to him to refresh the center of the rear before the final siege of Verdeamarelha.
Nicholas
Gonzalez – s.c.
He hardly intervened, with Brazil overturned and Argentina defending itself tooth and nail like a cat belly up.
Exequiel
Palaces – s.c.
More of the same. Argentina barely touched the ball in the last 10 '.