It wasn’t to be for Leo Messi and Gabi Milito as Argentina succumbed to Brazil in tonight’s Copa America final in the Maracaibo in Venezuela. A goal after just four minutes from Julio Baptista left the Albiceleste with an uphill struggle for the entire game. Baptista received the ball inside the penalty area before unleashing a thumping right-foot shot into the roof of the net.

Argentina almost equalised after eight minutes when Messi’s cross from the left finally came to Joan Roman Riquelme who shot left-footed against the post. It was to be Argentina’s best chance. Riquelme came close again after 35 minutes but Doni saved well. Brazil were defending their lead well and playing on the break. In the 40th minute a counter attack lead to Brazil’s second goal. Dani Alves got free on the right and his curled centre was put into his own net by Ayala.

Argentina could find no way back and suffered through too much individualism. Messi had only one shot in the 63rd minute and that was blocked. Brazil dealt well with Messi, Tevez and Riquelme, and went 3-0 up after 69 minutes. This time another counter attack saw Wagner Love set up Dani Alves who scored with a fine right-foot shot across the goalkeeper.

From Barça’s point of view Milito played pretty well, dealing well with nearly everything that came his way. Messi had a frustrating game, he was very well marked and found it difficult to find any space. Argentina have now gone 14 years since the last time they won the Copa America.