Damilola Aina, Abuja
Daily Courier – Lionel Messi and Angel di Maria shone as Argentina beat Italy at Wembley in the Finalissima – a renewal of the contest between the champions of Europe and South America.
The Lionel Messi-inspired side with Wednesday’s feat have now won their second international trophy within the space of 12 months with the 2022 Finalissima silverware.
Inter striker Lautaro Martinez scored one and also provided an assist for Angel Di Maria before Paulo Dybala’s final strike sealed a comfortable victory for Argentina over Italy in the 2022 Finalissima at Wembley Stadium.
Messi showed he is not a spent force as he provided the sumptuous assist for striker Lautaro Martinez two minutes before the half-hour mark.
Martinez in turn provided a suitably classy finish as he fired past Messi’s club teammate at PSG, Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Argentina were firmly in cruise control and in first-half stoppage time, they doubled their lead, with Martinez this time turning provider.
The Inter striker provided the assist for Di Maria whose burst of pace took him past Giorgio Chiellini before providing a wonderful dinked finish.
After the break, Argentina continued to assert their authority and it was a matter of time before they scored the third goal. Substitute Dybala added a deserved third late on after a Messi effort on goal was blocked.
Wednesday’s tie at Wembley was eagerly anticipated as it pitched the Champions of Europe against the reigning South American kings.
This was the third edition of the showcase between reigning European and South American Champions, won by France in 1985 and Argentina in 1993.
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