Argentina Triumphs Over Colombia to Win Record 16th Copa America Crown

Thanks to a goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez in extra time, defending champions Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 to win their record 16th Copa America championship on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida. In the 112th minute, Argentina supporters went berserk when Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, hoisted his effort over the approaching Colombian goalkeeper, Camilo Vargas, after receiving a precise through pass from Giovani Lo Celso. With his fifth goal of the competition, Lautaro Martinez cemented his lead as the leading scorer and won the Copa America 2024 Golden Boot. Due to crowd disturbances, the Hard Rock Stadium match started one hour and twenty minutes later than scheduled.

Messi’s reaction to winning the Copa America 🥺❤️pic.twitter.com/8umxo2yutS
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) July 15, 2024

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Colombia ahead in the Early Game

Colombia exerted a lot of pressure early in the game, and in the seventh, Jhon Cordoba struck the post. Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper for Argentina, also turned away long-range attempts from Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios. Messi seemed to have injured his ankle during a contact with Santiago Arias in the 36th minute. Even though he recovered after receiving treatment, he was obviously incapacitated for the remaining portion of the half. In the second half, Colombia kept up the attack, nearly scoring via Arias and Davinson Sanchez. Argentina handled the siege admirably, but they were dealt a blow when Messi hobbled out in the 66th minute because of an ankle injury.As the game entered extra time, Colombia managed to hold on despite growing into the match and having a goal disallowed for offside. In extra time, the reigning champs persisted in pressing, challenging Vargas with a Nico Gonzalez shot before Martinez ultimately made the breakthrough.

As he had done all month, the Inter Milan star delivered after a goalless first 90 minutes and a demanding extra-time effort. In the 64th minute, Messi looked to have suffered a non-contact injury when collapsing and covered his face with his hands while sitting on the bench. Martínez celebrated Argentina’s record 16th Copa America championship by sprinting to the bench to greet his captain after scoring the game-winning goal. After winning the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America, Argentina now has three major titles in a row. This accomplishment matches Spain’s record of winning the 2010 World Cup, the 2008 and 2012 European Championships. Furthermore, Argentina snapped Colombia’s 28-game winning streak, which dates back to a defeat to the Albiceleste.

Martinez Late Goal Leads to Victory

Martinez’s goal late in the game is considered his most important as the Golden Boot winner with six goals. Legs growing tired and emotions running high, he broke past the defense and took his time finding his position. Argentina has missed these kinds of pivotal moments in the past, but not this time. Messi, meanwhile, could only observe. His ankle swelled after having to leave the game early due to an injury. When Martinez hit the net in the second half, Messi’s tears of despair gave way to happiness as he left the field. Messi’s teammates performed admirably this evening. Argentina is back to winning, and their legacy lives on. Even if the Messi era is coming to a close, Argentina is still unbeatable.