Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Argentina has won the 2024 edition of the special CONMEBOL Copa America after beating Colombia 1-0 early on Monday.
Substitute Lautaro Martinez scored the extra-time winner, securing Argentina’s record 16th Copa America win at Hard Rock Stadium.
The match, marred by security and crowd issues, had an 82-minute delay before Martinez’s fifth goal of the tournament. This win marks Argentina’s third consecutive major tournament title, following their 2021 Copa victory and 2022 World Cup triumph.
ALSO READ:
- Historic Copa América 2024 kicks off with Argentina’s dominant win over Canada
- Thrilling Copa America shootout: Martinez saves two after Messi miss as Argentina edge out Ecuador to reach semi-finals
- Wimbledon champion Alcaraz celebrates Spain’s Euro 2024 victory
- Spain’s Rodri claims Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament
- Euro 2024: Spain are European champions for the 4th time
Argentina captain Lionel Messi went off injured in the 66th minute and watched the rest of the game in tears.
Meanwhile, long-serving majestic winger Angel Di Maria was subbed off to an emotional farewell in his last game for Argentina.
Colombia faced disappointment as little worked for Nestor Lorenzo’s team, whose only title was the 2001 Copa America.
Sadly, chaos ensued at the stadium entrance, with organisers blaming ticketless fans and fans blaming inefficient entry systems. Some fans needed medical attention for heat exhaustion.
However, the situation saw improvement after gates were thrown open without proper fan checks, before the game proceeded.
Match report as Argentina wins 2024 Copa America
In the seventh minute, Colombia’s Jhon Córdoba struck the bottom of the post with a shot. Frankly, both sides struggled to find their rhythm early on.
On the stroke of 20 minutes, Di Maria delivered a low ball to Messi, whose left-foot shot was well kept out by Colombia’s number one Camilo Vargas.
Colombia appeared more energetic in the first-half and came close to breaking the deadlock three minutes past the half-hour mark. Jefferson Lerma’s 25-yard shot was parried away by Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina struggled to clear a James Rodriguez corner, and the ball fell to Davinson Sanchez, whose header sailed over the bar.
Later, Di Maria finally showcased some quality with a trademark run from the left, forcing Vargas to deny the opportunity.
A major setback occurred when Messi went down without contact in midfield and, clearly in pain, was replaced by Nico Gonzalez in the 66th minute. Messi, potentially in his last major tournament, sat on the bench in tears, unable to contain his emotions.
In the 75th minute, Argentine fans thought they had a winner when Tagliafico found Gonzalez in the box. The latter’s strike beat Vargas, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Extra-time offered few opportunities, with Miguel Borja’s half-chance from a Jorge Carrascal flick being the closest effort. However, the match was ultimately decided by a deserving winner.
Leandro Paredes secured possession in midfield with a precise tackle and quickly passed to Giovani Lo Celso. Lo Celso’s first-time pass found Martinez, who blasted home the decisive goal.
Tags: Lautaro Martinez, Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Argentina, CONMEBOL, Copa America, Colombia, Emiliano Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, James Rodriguez, #CopaAmerica, Jorge Carrascal, Jhon Córdoba, Camilo Vargas.
Discover more from News Round The Clock
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
