Argentina scripted history at Copa América 2024, as they sealed an extra-time victory that had fans on the edge of their seats. And in usual Copa fashion, it was marked by drama and subtext aplenty.
The start of the Copa América 2024 final was delayed by 80-minutes due to crowd trouble outside Hard Rock Stadium. The tension escalated when Lionel Messi, visibly emotional, had to leave the field in the 64th minute due to a severe ankle injury.
The match was fiercely contested from the start, with neither team able to break the deadlock during regular time. It was only in the second half of extra time that Argentina managed to secure their victory. Rodrigo De Paul found Gio Lo Celso, who skillfully redirected the ball to Martinez.
With a powerful sprint, Martinez overcame a defender and scored the only goal of the match in the 112th minute, which sent the Argentine players into a mixture of reflection and elation as they stood on the broke of a record 16th Copa title, while their Colombian counterparts were left in despair.
With 5 goals over the course of Copa América 2024, Lautaro Martínez was a key player for La Albiceleste. Despite not starting, Martínez’s entrance and subsequent goal in extra time were pivotal, showcasing his undeniable influence and skill as a forward. Lionel Messi, despite his early exit due to an ankle injury, was a talismanic presence, inspiring his team from the sidelines.
Player reactions
After the heart-stopping finale, Lionel Messi, despite his early exit due to injury, was seen with a bittersweet smile, praising his team’s resilience. “It’s tough not being out there, but seeing the team pull through was incredible,” Messi shared, his eyes reflecting the mix of pride and personal disappointment. Lautaro Martínez, now a national hero, expressed his elation, “Scoring the winning goal is surreal. This victory is for all of Argentina!”
Coach comments
Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni highlighted the strategic depth and mental strength of the team. “We’ve faced challenges, but our focus remained unwavering. This win is a testament to our collective spirit and tactical discipline,” Scaloni remarked.
On the other side, Colombia’s coach Nestor Lorenzo expressed mixed emotions, praising his team’s effort but lamenting the narrow loss. “We played well, but finals are about those few moments, and today, Argentina capitalized on theirs,” Lorenzo concluded, hinting at the tactical nuance that decided the game’s fate.
The Copa América saw several nail-biting moments. From the tension-soaked delay to Lautaro Martínez’s decisive strike in extra time, each chapter of this story contributed to a mesmerizing narrative of the relentless pursuit of glory. As we look forward to future challenges and tournaments, the echoes of Argentina’s triumph will undoubtedly inspire and influence the spirit and tactics of teams worldwide.
