Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

5 minutes read. Updated 11:53AM GMT Mon, 15 July, 2024

Argentina secured a hard-fought victory over Colombia with a 1-0 win in extra time, despite losing their talisman Lionel Messi to an ankle injury in the 64th minute. This victory marks Argentina’s 16th Copa America title, cementing their status as one of football’s greatest dynasties.

An Emotional Match for Messi and Di Maria

Lionel Messi, often hailed as the greatest player in football history, was visibly emotional as he left the field with a swollen right ankle. The injury occurred when Messi attempted a run in the 64th minute, resulting in him signaling for medical assistance and subsequently being substituted. The Argentine captain was seen in tears on the bench, his disappointment palpable.

Angel Di Maria, playing his final match for Argentina, stepped up to take the captain’s armband after Messi’s exit. Di Maria, known for his big-game prowess, embraced Messi on the bench, marking an emotional end to his international career.

Lautaro Martinez’s Decisive Goal

The match’s pivotal moment came in the 112th minute of extra time when Lautaro Martinez, Argentina’s leading scorer in this Copa America, found the net. Martinez’s goal, a result of his relentless attacking prowess, was the culmination of a strategic play anticipated by Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni. “We thought Lautaro would find a chance and blast it toward the net,” Scaloni remarked, praising Martinez, who finished the tournament with five goals.

A Historic Achievement for Argentina

This triumph adds to Argentina’s illustrious recent history, following their Copa America win in 2021 and their World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022. Argentina’s three major international titles in as many years underscore their dominance in the footballing world.

The final, held in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, faced an hour and twenty-minute delay due to security breaches by unruly fans without tickets. Despite this chaos, Argentina maintained their composure to secure the win.

Messi’s Injury and Its Impact

Messi’s injury was a significant blow to Argentina. The incident occurred in the first half when Messi, attempting to make a play, planted his right foot awkwardly. Although he continued playing initially, the pain became unbearable in the second half, leading to his substitution. Scaloni later commented, “Leo is the greatest player in history. He never wants to leave the pitch. He has a swollen ankle and wants to keep playing. His teammates see that. He wants to play because he’s not egotistic or selfish.”

Colombia, entering the final with a 28-game unbeaten streak, was unable to overcome Argentina’s resilience. Coach Nestor Lorenzo acknowledged his team’s effort, stating, “Today we played the best team in the world that’s marking an era. I think we measured up. Even if we’re sad, I want to congratulate our players.”

Match Highlights and Key Moments

  • Argentina’s Winning Goal: Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal in the 112th minute of extra time.
  • Messi’s Injury: Lionel Messi sustained a right ankle injury in the first half and was substituted in the 64th minute.
  • Di Maria’s Farewell: Angel Di Maria played his final match for Argentina, taking over the captaincy after Messi’s exit.
  • Unruly Fans: The match faced a significant delay due to fans without tickets breaching security gates.

Global Reactions and Coverage

The match was widely covered, with USA TODAY Sports providing live updates and highlights. The final’s emotional intensity, combined with Argentina’s perseverance, captivated football fans worldwide.

For more details on the match and ongoing updates, visit USA TODAY Sports here.