Lautaro Martinez scored a late goal in extra time, securing Argentina’s 16th Copa America title in front of a crowd of over 65,300 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The Copa America final between world Champions Argentina and Colombia was delayed for over an hour due to ticketing issues, which made it difficult for fans to enter the stadium. Once the match began, Colombia looked stronger, putting pressure on the Argentine defense in their quest for an opening goal.
Lionel Messi had a chance to score the opening goal for Argentina but his shot was blocked by his teammate, which led to a goal kick for Columbia. In the 33rd minute, Jefferson Lerma of Colombia was in a good position to score after creating some space for himself, but his shot was superbly saved by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
In the 64th minute, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner went down on the pitch, requiring medical attention. The Argentine captain had to leave the game early, limping off and unable to continue. He was replaced by Nicolás González.
Just minutes after Messi’s substitution, Colombia’s players appealed for a penalty after Jhon Cordoba was brought down in the opposition box, but the VAR review indicated that it was a fair challenge on the Colombian.
With no goals scored in regular time, the game went into extra time. In the 112th minute, the tournament’s top scorer, Lautaro Martinez, delivered a masterclass by creating space and firing a shot past Colombia’s goalkeeper, Camilo Vargas, to make it 1-0 for Argentina.
There were series of incidents and reckless tackles after Argentina’s goal, which led to Colombia appealing for a penalty once again but the referee after a VAR check signaled no penalty. Argentina celebrated their 16th Copa America title with a 1-0 win over Columbia. 
Lautaro Martinez – Golden Boot Award Winner
Lautaro Martinez became the first player to score a goal in the Copa America final since 1937. The Inter Milan forward is the leading top scorer in the 2024 Copa America with 5 goals
James Rodriguez – Player of the Tournament
The Colombian international earned the Player of the Tournament Award after providing six assists. The 33-year-old São Paulo midfielder also scored a goal during the tournament. But despite his efforts in leading Colombia to the final, they were unable to secure the trophy.
End of the Road for Angel Di Maria
The truth is, this was written, it was this way, Di Maria said. “I dreamed it, I dreamed that I would arrive at the final and win it and retire in this way.
These were the last words of Di Maria after winning the 2024 Copa America title with Argentina. End of the road for the Argentine player.
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Story by: David Kwaku Dzaku| univers.ug.edu.gh
