At the end of the 2024 Copa America football tournament, the Argentines coasted home to victory upon beating their opponent, Colombia in the final game on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Argentina’s road to a historic 16th Copa America title was a thrilling ride of emotions and drama, with Martinez delivering the knockout punch to Colombia in the final.
The defending champion defended. Lionel Messi cried and laughed. James Rodriguez won hearts. The 2024 Copa America was a roller-coaster of emotions.
In the end, Argentina (La Albiceleste) stood tall and etched its name in the record books.
It would be wrong to say that Argentina entered the Copa America final as the absolute favourite. Colombia, also known as Los Cafeteros, impressed with its brand of attacking football throughout the tournament, and began the summit clash in the same manner, choking the Albiceleste with relentless pressing.
Messi and team mates were in choppy waters and it took careful and compact defending to keep Colombia at bay. With plenty of penetrations into the final third, head coach Nestor Lorenzo’s men looked favourites to grab the opening goal.
However, Argentina held on, despite not playing its best football. This has been the story of its journey in this tournament this year-not being able to score more than two goals in any match but still churning out favourable results by sheer luck.
With the scores level after the regulation 90 minutes, the final went into extra time. Until the 111th minute, the nets did not rattle. And then, an immaculate touch from Giovani Lo Celso sent Lautaro Martinez clear on goal.
The Inter Milan forward, in red-hot form, kept his calm to enter the box and slot the ball into the far corner for the winner. It took his tally to five goals in this tournament, earning him the Golden Boot award.
The final also had its share of emotional moments. Captain Messi was in tears after being substituted due to an ankle injury.
Angel di Maria left the pitch in the national colours for the last time, after being subbed off in the 117th minute. Deservedly, both received a wonderful reception from fans inside the Hard Rock Stadium.
The story ended on a happy note as Messi’s tears turned into smiles after Argentina’s 1-0 win, guiding them to a record 16th Copa America title.
