Xtra Time Web Desk: An inspiring performance from Lionel Messi saw Copa America champions Argentina defeat Euro Champions Italy 3-0 in the Finalissima 2022 held in Wembley on Wednesday night. Goals from Lautaro Martinez (28”), Angel Di Maria (46”) and Paulo Dybala (94’) sealed the fate for the Albiceleste. The Argentine captain was adjudged the man of the match. The talisman has now led Argentina to two international trophies in 11 months, making them one of the top contenders for forthcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
Messi served up Lautaro Martinez for the opener in the 28th minute and then Di Maria chipped Italy’s goalkeeper Gigi Donnarumma for the second.
While the first half was a more even affair, it was one-way traffic in the second half as Messi and Di Maria continued to create chance after chance. Only Italian ‘keeper Donnarumma was able to thwart the repeated chances. But he couldn’t stop Paulo Dybala, who slotted home the ball in the 94th minute after a Messi run left him with the ball at his feet in the Italian box. The goal rounded out the score at 3-0.