Messi named best player at Copa America & was also top scorer

Lionel Messi won his first Copa America trophy on Saturday as Angel Di Maria's goal helped Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro.

On route to the trophy, Messi scored four goals to win the tournament's golden boot, along with Colombia's Luis Diaz. Messi also created five goals.

Messi, 34, was also chosen as the best player at the 2021 Copa America as Argentina ended a 28-year drought at senior level.

Messi started every group game and didn't rest as Argentina progressed in the competition. In the first game against Chile, he scored a free-kick in a 1-1 draw.

He added an assist for Guido Rodriguez in the 1-0 win over Uruguay and then teed up Di Maria to set up Papu Gomez for the goal in the 1-0 win over Paraguay.

In the final group games, Messi scored two and made one -- a lovely assist for Lautaro Martinez -- as the Albiceleste beat Bolivia 4-1.

In the last eight, he set up goals for Rodrigo de Paul and Lautaro Martinez in a 3-0 win against Ecuador.

In the semifinals, he set up Lautaro for the goal in the 1-1 draw against Colombia and then scored in the shootout.

In total, he scored two free-kicks, one penalty and one lob over the keeper. In addition, he added five assists and didn't miss when it mattered in the shootout.

During the tournament, he also passed Javier Mascherano's appearance record and has now played 150 times for his country.