Barcelona legend Lionel Messi ended his several year drought for a first major international title as Argentina snatched a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final at Rio's Maracana stadium.
Messi, 34, dropped to the ground in joy at the full-time whistle and was swiftly mobbed by his team-mates, before being hurled in the air in celebration, as he finally claimed top-level honours with his country in his 10th major tournament.
Angel di Maria scored the only goal of the match with his superb lob, after taking down Rodrigo de Paul's lofted pass.
Messi had a chance to sign off the win but slipped with the goal at his mercy, in what would have been the perfect finale for the Argentine captain.
"The happiness is immense," said Messi after the game as he also praised the attitude of the Argentina squad. "Many times I dreamed of this.
"I had a lot of confidence in this group that became very strong since the last Copa America. It is a group of very good people, who always push forward, who never complain about anything."
The performance of the defending champions Brazil was disappointing, with their only chances of note coming when Richarlison and Gabriel Barbosa forced saves from Emi Martinez.
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