Argentina capitalized off an early goal and managed to stave off Brazil's onslaught to win the Copa América final 1-0 on Saturday at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Argentina struck in the 22nd minute when Rodrigo De Paul sent a long ball to Angel Di Maria, who finished it off by chipping it over the head of Ederson in goal. Brazil had multiple opportunities to score the equalizer, with a score by Richarlison called offsides in the 52nd minute. Minutes later, Richarlison had another chance when he sent a laser from short that Emiliano Martinez saved.

Brazil had 13 shots to Argentina's six and controlled possession for 60 percent of the match.

The win ended a 28-year major trophy drought for Argentina, giving star forward Lionel Messi his first trophy with the senior national team. Before Saturday's win, Argentina's last trophy at the senior national level came in the 1993 Copa América. The win tied Argentina with Uruguay for the most Copa America titles with 15.

This marked the first time in six occasions that Brazil failed to win the Copa América when hosting the tournament.

How does this impact Messi's legacy?

Felipe Cardenas, soccer staff writer: Messi's legacy may have never been in doubt. He's already one of the sport's greatest-ever players. But now he has lifted an international title with Argentina — undoing a three-match losing streak in major finals.

It's a massive burden lifted for Argentina's number 10, evidenced by his reaction after the final whistle. Messi fell to his knees and sobbed as his teammates engulfed him in celebration.

Can Argentina take this momentum into the World Cup?

Cardenas: Barring an epic failure, Messi will lead Argentina to the next World Cup in Qatar. They'll enter the tournament as South American champions, which carries significant weight at the sport's biggest tournament.

Key to Argentina's success during this Copa América was their belief in head coach Lionel Scaloni's system, which had been heavily criticized in Argentina before the tournament.

Biggest question for Brazil

Cardenas: How will Tite fix Brazil's mentality? Brazil are coasting in World Cup qualifying, but losing this final is a massive blow for them. This was the first time that Brazil has failed to win the Copa América when hosting, something they've done on six occasions.

Tite's side is a deep one, but several holes were exploited during the tournament (both fullbacks and wingers failed to impress). More importantly, Brazil suddenly don't look like the unbeatable machine that they were at the start of the competition.