Wembley: Argentina marked the revival of the Cup of Champions in style as an inspired Lionel Messi helped them outclass Italy 3-0 in a heavyweight clash billed as the ‘Finalissima’ at a raucous Wembley Stadium on Wednesday (June 1). First-half goals by Lautaro Martinez and Angel di Maria put the south American champions in complete control against an Italy side who were back at Wembley 11 months after beating England to win the delayed Euro 2020.
Goals by Lautaro Martinez and Angel di Maria gave Argentina an upper hand in the first-half against Italy, who returned to Wembley 11 months after winning Euro 2020 against England.
It was captain Messi who set up two goals as Argentina looked energetic, whereas the Azzurri were lumbering. From Messi’s low cross, Martinez tapped home from close range in the 28th minute to hand Argentina an early lead.
Martinez then slid a pass to Di Maria to outpace Giorgio Chiellini and double the lead at the stroke of halftime. Substitute Paulo Dybala ensured Argentina’s superiority with a drilled low finish in stoppage time following a mesmerising run by Messi.
“It was a beautiful final, full of Argentines. What we experienced here was beautiful,” Messi was quoted as saying after the match. “Today was a nice test because Italy are a great team. We knew it was going to be a nice game and a nice setting in which to be champions.”
Meanwhile, it was a disappointing run for Italy’s 37-year-old Chiellini as his international career ended with being substituted at halftime on his 117th and final appearance.
