Brazil early Wednesday ensured that Lionel Messi and Argentina’s trophy drought lingers, beating them 2-0 to qualify for the final of Copa America on home soil.
Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino assisted each other in each half of the fierce encounter played at Estadio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte.
Brazil controlled possession in the opening 10 minutes, not letting Argentina create anything going forward, but La Albiceleste nearly opened the scoring in sensational fashion on their first opportunity. Leandro Paredes saw space from some 40 yards out and fired away with a curling blast, one that didn’t miss Alisson’s goal by much but whizzed over the bar 12 minutes in.
Brazil got back on the front foot after that, and following a spurned chance, Gabriel Jesus made sure to put the hosts ahead.
