Following the Euro 2024 Final where Spain defeated England to win a historic fourth title, Argentina and Colombia took to the pitch on Sunday night for the 2024 Copa América final.
Entering the match, Colombia was looking to continue their 28-game unbeaten streak and claim their second-ever Copa América title. On the other end, Argentina was looking for back-to-back Copa América victories and a historic 16th title.
In what was a stalemate through the first 111 minutes, Argentina and Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez would score the game-winning goal in the 112′ to give La Albiceleste their 16th Copa América title.
Copa America 2024 Final: How it Happened
Right as the match kicked off, Argentina and Manchester City striker Julian Álvarez had an early chance but missed wide. Enzo Fernández found Álvarez in the box, but the forward couldn’t find his footing on the ball.
Liverpool’s Luis Díaz provided Colombia’s first chance five minutes later. Díaz entered the box and pulled off a shot with his right foot, but Emiliano Martínez was able to make an easy save. Both sides played evenly through the first 45 minutes, but the game remained 0-0.
In the second half, Lionel Messi was taken off due to injury and was replaced by Nicolás González. Colombia challenged Messi all match and Messi was visibly emotional and frustrated after not being able to continue.
After the first 90 minutes, the game remained scoreless heading into extra time. In the 97′, Lautaro Martinez was subbed on for Álvarez. Argentina started to gain more momentum in extra time and it was Martinez who broke through to give La Albiceleste a 1-0 lead.
Giovani Lo Celso found Martinez break through Colombia’s defense and he finished a shot with his right foot that beat Camilo Vargas.
The game started to get chippy after Martinez’s goal. Colombia tried everything possible to find an equalizer and get underneath Argentina’s skin, but they were unsuccessful in keeping their unbeaten streak alive despite having 55.5% possession compared to Argentina’s 44.5%.
As the final whistle blew, joy rang out on Argentina’s side. Argentina legend Ángel Di María announced that this would be his final game for his country, and he went out with another title in his hands.
James Rodríguez wins Best Player Award
Colombian James Rodríguez took home the Best Player Award after the match. Rodríguez finished the tournament with six assists, the most in the tournament and an all-time record.
All-time for Colombia, Rodríguez has scored 28 goals and recorded 33 assists in 106 matches.
Lautaro Martinez snags the Golden Boot
Finishing as the Serie A top scorer with 24 goals and the Copa América leader with five, Martinez shined for Argentina at the perfect time. Providing Argentina with their record 16th Copa América title and going back-to-back, Martinez has potentially put himself in the 2024 Ballon d’Or conversation.
AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell
