Argentina won their 16th Copa America title in a final against Colombia. The match was by crowd chaos at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The match was held on July 15, 2024 and saw Argentina’s biggest star, Lionel Messi possibly bidding farewell to international football.
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Argentina 1-0 Colombia, the match was a tightly contested affair remaining goalless for over 90 minutes.
In the 112th minute of extra time, Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal. Giovani Lo Celso provided a precise through ball and Martinez lifted his shot over the advancing Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.
Sustaining an ankle injury, Messi played a huge part in the match until he had to be substituted. Messi’s frustration was evident as he left the field slamming his boot in anger.
This victory adds to Argentina’s history in the Copa America, making it their 16th title. Messi’s career has been decorated with numerous titles and this win is his last international tournament.
The kickoff was delayed from 8 PM EDT to 9:22 PM due to thousands of fans without tickets attempting to storm the stadium.
Despite the deployment of over 550 police officers including personnel from neighboring departments, security breaches occurred. Fans climbed fences and security gates.
Lautaro Martínez, playing for Inter Milan scored the winning goal in the 112th minute. The goal was set up by a precise pass from Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso allowing Martínez to beat Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas with a right-footed shot.
Lionel Messi suffered a non-contact ankle injury in the 64th minute. Messi was unable to continue and was substituted and watched the rest of the match from the bench.
The match start was delayed by over an hour due to crowd control issues outside the stadium. Fans breached security gates and utilized the ventilation system to gain entry.
With this victory Argentina secured their third consecutive major title following their wins in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.
This victory also ended Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten streak, which had been since February 2022.
Colombia began the match with high pressure with Jhon Cordoba hitting the post in the seventh minute and other attempts from Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios being saved by Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Messi appeared to struggle after a collision with Santiago Arias but continued to play until his injury in the second half.
Argentina had a goal disallowed for offside but continued to push forward eventually finding success in extra time.
Lautaro Martínez was the tournament’s leading scorer and his goal in the final was his fifth of the tournament. His goal earned him the Copa America 2024 Golden Boot.
Messi’s participation in this tournament is his 39th and possibly final Copa America appearance. He has now won four international titles with Argentina in the last three years.
Messi holds numerous records including the most Ballon d’Or awards (8) and a total of 45 career trophies and making him the most decorated footballer of all time.
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Colombia’s early offensive strategy tested Argentina’s defense with Emiliano Martinez making crucial saves.
Messi’s injury scare in the 36th minute after a collision with Arias was a huge moment although he continued to play until the second half.
Messi’s non-contact injury in the 64th minute forced his substitution causing concern among fans and teammates.
Argentina managed to absorb Colombia’s pressure and had a goal disallowed for offside before the match went into extra time.
Lautaro Martínez, who came on as a substitute in the 97th minute became the hero of the match with his goal in the 112th minute.
Messi has won 12 league titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies and numerous domestic cups with Barcelona and PSG. His career includes victories in UEFA Super Cups and FIFA Club World Cups.
Messi’s international success with Argentina includes the 2021 Copa America, 2022 World Cup and now the 2024 Copa America.
Messi’s career statistics are with 838 goals and 374 assists in 1068 games.
Di Maria, playing his final match for Argentina expressed gratitude and joy for ending his international career with a title.
\Defender Nicolas Otamendi also indicated this was his last match for the national team.
Martinez finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals. His winning goal in the final was his 29th for Argentina.
With this win, Messi becomes the most decorated player in football history with 45 senior trophies surpassing former Brazilian footballer Dani Alves.
The internet and fans worldwide celebrated Messi’s achievement recognizing him as the greatest of all time (GOAT).
This victory is Argentina’s third consecutive major title following their wins in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Argentina’s win ended Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten streak which had lasted since February 2022.
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