Argentina clinched a historic 16th Copa America title with an extra-time 1-0 win against Colombia on Sunday at Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium.
With no goals in the first and second half, the game saw both sides fight hard beyond 90 minutes for a winner to emerge.
Though Colombia pressed for a goal in the second half, with Arias and Davinson Sánchez coming close, Argentina defended resolutely under pressure, seizing their best opportunity to grab a winner in the extra time.
It was not an easy ride for the Argentine team as Messi sustained an ankle injury in the 36th minute after a clash with Santiago Arias. His performance was affected for the rest of the first half, and he was replaced in the 66th minute.
The decisive moment of the fierce battle between the defending Champions and Colombia came when Lautaro Martinez, a late substitute, scored the winning goal in the 112th minute.
Courtesy of an accurate fine pass from Giovani Lo Celso, Martinez, the competition’s top scorer, brilliantly lifted the ball over Colombia’s goalkeeper, Camilo Vargas, sparking celebrations among the Argentines.
This victory adds to Argentina’s recent successes. It follows their 2022 World Cup win and their 2021 Copa America triumph, serving as a fitting farewell for Lionel Messi, who is expected to retire from international football after this tournament.
The victory marked the end of international careers for Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi, who are retiring from the national team at 36 years old.
