Lautaro Martinez scored in the 111th minute, leading Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Colombia and securing the 2024 Copa America title at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, US.
This triumph marks Argentina’s 16th title in South America’s premier international competition, making them the most successful team in its history, surpassing Uruguay. It is also Argentina’s second consecutive Copa America title, alongside the 2022 World Cup title.
Captain Lionel Messi, who may have played his last major tournament, has now lifted three major trophies, with his age approaching 40 by the next World Cup. This match also marked Angel Di Maria’s final appearance for Argentina, as the winger had announced his intention to retire from international football after the 2024 Copa America.
Messi, who was substituted due to a leg injury in the second half, saw the game end 0-0 in regular time. The match featured a chaotic extra-time period, reflective of the regular time’s intensity.
Martinez received the ball from Giovanni Lo Celso after Leandro Paredes’ midfield win, and he expertly placed his shot over Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas to secure the winning goal.
The match start was delayed by over an hour due to crowd trouble, with ticketless fans causing stampede-like situations at the stadium’s gates.
Throughout a frantic first half of extra time, Argentina controlled possession, but Colombia appeared more threatening. Colombia began aggressively, pressing high and forcing Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into several early saves. Jhon Cordoba hit the post in the seventh minute, and Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios had long-range efforts saved.
In the second half, Colombia continued their assault, with Arias and Davinson Sanchez coming close to scoring. Messi injured his ankle in a collision with Santiago Arias in the 36th minute, briefly recovered after treatment, but ultimately twisted his ankle again in the 64th minute, leading to his substitution.
Images later showed Messi’s swollen ankle. Despite breaking down in tears, Messi rejoined his team as the game moved into extra time, witnessing his team’s historic victory.
