Argentina secured a historic 1-0 victory over Colombia in the 2024 Copa América final, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday, July 14. The dramatic match saw Lautaro Martinez score the decisive goal in the 112th minute, leading Argentina to their 16th Copa América title and making them the first nation to win two consecutive Copa Américas and a World Cup in between.
The match was filled with tension and high stakes, particularly after Lionel Messi, Argentina’s 37-year-old captain, was subbed off tearfully in the 64th minute due to a right ankle injury. Despite Messi’s exit, his teammates rallied, demonstrating their depth and determination. Angel Di Maria, in his final match for Argentina, took over as captain and played a crucial role in maintaining the team’s momentum.
FOX Soccer – Argentina vs Colombia | Lionel Messi in tears after being injured in the 64th minute.
The game was initially delayed by over an hour due to chaotic scenes outside the stadium, where thousands of fans faced difficulties entering. The match finally commenced at 9:22 PM ET, 82 minutes after the scheduled start time, adding to the already heightened anticipation.
Once underway, both teams displayed formidable skill and resilience. Argentina’s lineup included Emiliano Martinez in goal, with defenders Nicolas Tagliafico, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Gonzalo Montiel. The midfield comprised Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister, with Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez leading the attack.
Colombia’s lineup featured Camilo Vargas as the goalkeeper, supported by defenders Johan Mojica, Carlos Cuesta, Davidson Sanchez, and Santiago Arias. Midfielders Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios, and attackers Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias, and Jhon Cordoba rounded out the starting eleven.
The match’s decisive moment came in extra time, when Lautaro Martinez, Copa América’s top scorer with five goals, netted the winner in the 112th minute. This goal broke Colombia’s impressive 28-game unbeaten streak and solidified Argentina’s place in football history alongside Spain’s 2008-2012 squad, the only other team to achieve a similar feat.
Argentina’s path to the final included victories over Canada (2-0), Chile (1-0), and Peru (2-0) in the group stage, followed by a penalty shootout win against Ecuador (1-1, 4-2 on penalties) in the quarterfinals and a 2-0 win over Canada in the semifinals.
Colombia, on the other hand, progressed through Group D with wins over Paraguay (2-1) and Costa Rica (3-0), and a draw against Brazil (1-1). Their knockout stage journey included a 5-0 win over Panama in the quarterfinals and a 1-0 win over Uruguay in the semifinals.
The final whistle was met with jubilant celebrations from the Argentine players and fans, marking a significant milestone for the national team. This victory not only extended Argentina’s record to 16 Copa América titles but also highlighted their recent dominance in international football, following their 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup wins.
