In the semi-finals of the South American championship will be hosted by Brazil will win the classic against Lionel Messi and Argentina. For the football soul of Brazil is a blessing for Argentina’s Superstar is another setback.
“Eliminado, eliminado!” (Excreted, excreted!) it echoed again and again through the vast Round of the stadium in Belo Horizonte, the Arena, in Brazil’s Selecao five years ago, their biggest humiliation had to experience: The 1:7 in world Cup semi-final 2014 had been beaten against the later world champion Germany is a deep wound in Brazilian football soul. The more the Fans celebrated after their Team against arch-rival Argentina had reached the final of the Copa America. And the Brazilian supporters sang the song of “1000 doors”, made by Pele. A tit-for-tat on the songs of the Argentine, who left Maradona, at least in the song, once again, bigger than Brazil’s three-time world champion Pele.
Maradona’s successor, Lionel Messi remained, meanwhile, is just the comforting embrace of his former team-mates from FC Barcelona, Dani Alves, to receive. With hanging shoulders, the Superstar left the space, once again an Argentine title dream is burst. Argentina and Lionel Messi can win together simply no tournaments.
Euphoric Hosts
Already ahead of the game a lively atmosphere to the 55,000 spectators almost sold-out stadium prevailed. The organizers had specially set up a concert stage, thousands of Fans took up the invitation and were not disappointed.
Match-winner from the Premier League: Manchester City Gabriel Jesus paved with his 1:0 the way to victory
Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City, a combination of 1:0 (19.) completed and in the second pass, his League-mates Roberto Firmino FC Liverpool 2:0 (71.) after a high-energy performance patterns-operated valid, decided the game.
In addition to the match-winner Gabriel Jesus, especially Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who was able to clarify in an Argentine pressure several times against Messi and thus in all competitions since the 7 was it. May remains in the English League, the Champions League and the Copa America without conceding a goal. The Fans thanked him with “Alisson, Alisson”-Call.
Becker makes Messi’s title dream
Of world star Lionel Messi, it was not. Was involved in almost all the dangerous actions of the Albiceleste. However, no matter what, the more time world, trying not footballers that night, it led to the goal.
Not in the case of a free-kick, Sergio Aguero, only the crossbar of the Brazilian gate, draw 30 could flank (.) or his spirited Solo at the end of which he re-Agüero-operated, but failed to Alisson Becker (36.). Not after almost an hour, when he brought the Brazilian behind the team in serious problems, but with the completion of the post failed.
Perplexity in the case of Argentina, number 10: Messi was not an asset, but hit into the goal
And also not in the 66. Minute, as a Messi free-kick into the top corner curled, but in a thoughtful Becker again his master found. The Brazilian man, the best opportunities are likely to be world’s best goalkeeper, and fished the Ball out of the corner.
Messi criticized after the game that the Video-referee “has just checked nothing”. The Argentines complained in the formation of the second gate, a possible foul on Alves’s. As a little later, Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi came after a tussle with Arthur in the penalty area, gave it to the Argentine Bank again the demand for a Review, however, Leodan Gonzalez from Uruguay, not a handle again.
At last in the Maracana
In the half-time break, Brazil’s right-wing populist President Jair Bolsonaro took the opportunity for a public appearance. Bolsonaro step, the tribune of the same height as the Central line to the curve. As he waved a Brazilian Flag, that was enough for him to be a spectator, demonstrative, broke out in loud cheers.
President Bolsonaro is on stage
On the way back, there were loud whistles and catcalls. Brazil’s social cleavage was also felt at this unusual appearance. Bolsonaro is trying to take advantage of the new build euphoria around the national team. Also, the injured Superstar Neymar with the power of the game and let Bolsonaro before the game in the Presidential box to embrace and welcome.
For the first Time since the renovation of the stadium it goes well for host Brazil in a world Cup or a Copa America back in the legendary Maracana. At the 2014 world Cup with the Selecao in Rio denied, even at the Copa America in a performance of group winners Brazil only in the finals was possible. This is now achieved.
Argentina face an uncertain future
Despite the renewed disappointment, Lionel Messi took then escape to the front. “If I help this group, or you can accompany, I will continue to do. At least another year, there will be Lionel Messi in national team Jersey.” The Argentine Fans had unfurled in the stadium under a Banner, to read on the stand: “Messi, forgive us our insults.”
Since his tournament debut at the 2006 world Cup in Germany, Lionel Messi is waiting for a title with the national team. Not always the Fans were in the past, to a lost tournament squeamish with the Superstar. In the coming year, the Copa America takes place in Colombia and Argentina. It might be his farewell tournament. Because of the 2022 world Cup in Qatar, Messi will be 35 years old.