Argentina secured the 2024 Copa América championship with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Colombia, thanks to an extra-time goal in the 112th minute. The match, held in South Florida, remained scoreless until Lautaro Martínez, the tournament’s leading scorer, fired a decisive shot past Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas following a crucial turnover.
As defending champions and 2022 World Cup winners, Argentina entered the tournament as favorites and maintained an unbeaten record throughout. However, they faced a significant setback when Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players in soccer history, was substituted in the 66th minute due to an ankle injury.
The match was marred by a delay of over an hour when fans, many without tickets, surged towards the stadium in an attempt to gain entry. Videos circulating on social media depicted fans, predominantly in Colombia’s yellow and red, leaping over security barriers near the southwest entrance and evading police and stadium staff. The chaotic scene included screams and a handful of individuals receiving medical attention and asking for water in the intense South Florida heat. Law enforcement eventually managed to secure the gates, preventing further breaches, though many ticketed fans had already taken their seats.
Once play resumed, Colombia came out strong, creating several early opportunities and testing Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Despite Colombia’s energetic start, it was Argentina who clinched the title with Martínez’s extra-time heroics.
Messi, 37, who joined Inter Miami of Major League Soccer last year after stints at Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, opted out of the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the next World Cup nearly two years away.
This victory ended Colombia’s impressive 28-game international win streak, which began in February 2022, also against Argentina. Colombia played without defender Daniel Muñoz, who missed the final following a second yellow card and subsequent ejection during the semifinal match against Uruguay.
The win underscores Argentina’s dominance in international soccer and adds another accolade to their storied legacy.
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