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Argentina vs Columbia, Copa America 2024 Final: Argentina defeated Columbia 1-0 in the final to clinch the Copa America 2024 title with Lautaro Martinez scoring the winning goal in the 112th minute of the extra time.

Argentina are now the most successful team in the Copa America history, having won their 16th title.

The Lionel Messi-led side successfully defended their Copa America title, having won the trophy in the previous edition as well in 2021.

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Martinez, the tournament's leading scorer, latched onto a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso before lifting his effort over advancing Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the second half of the extra time to spark wild celebrations among Argentina fans at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Argentina now have yet another major title inside the bag which has come on the back of their triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America, and gives eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi the perfect sendoff in what is likely his last international tournament.

Colombia looked threatening as they started the match by pressing high up the pitch and Jhon Cordoba hit the post in the seventh minute before Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios had long-range efforts, forcing saves from Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Messi took a blow on his ankle in the 36th minute after a collision with Santiago Arias and while he got back to his feet after receiving treatment he was clearly hampered for the remainder of the half.

Colombia kicked off the second half with high intensity again and were troubling Argentina on the back of their offensive game as Arias and Davinson Sanchez came close to scoring.

Argentina soaked up the pressure well but suffered a huge blow in the 66th minute when Messi limped off due to an ankle injury.

They continued to grow into the contest and had a goal disallowed for offside but Colombia held on as the match went to extra time.

The defending champions continued to push forward in extra time, testing Vargas with a shot from Nico Gonzalez before Martinez finally found the breakthrough.

Argentina's win also ended a record 28-match unbeaten streak for Colombia, whose last defeat also came against 'La Albiceleste' in February 2022.

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This was Messi's 45th senior trophy in his stellar career as he became the most decorated footballer after surpassing Dani Alves as the player with the most number of trophies in football history.

The 36-year-old Di Maria represented the La Albiceleste in 145 matches and scored 31 goals, winning the World Cup in 2022 in Qatar, and finishing runners-up in the 2014 edition.

Apart from that he had won the Copa America in 2021 too, while finishing second in the 2015 and 2016 editions. 


(With Agency Inputs)