In a match filled with drama and emotion, Argentina emerged as the 2024 Copa America champions, securing a 1-0 victory over Colombia in an eventful final.
The victory was especially poignant for Lionel Messi, who watched from the bench with tears streaming down his face after suffering a right ankle injury. The injury, which forced Messi to leave the field in the 64th minute, left his ankle visibly swollen and ended his participation in the match. Despite the setback, Messi’s teammates rallied to secure the win.
Angel Di Maria, known for his crucial goals in big matches, played his final game for Argentina. After Messi’s departure, Di Maria donned the captain’s armband and later embraced Messi on the bench, marking a touching end to his international career.
The decisive moment came in the 112th minute of extra time when Lautaro Martinez, Argentina’s top scorer in the tournament, netted the winning goal. This triumph adds to Argentina’s remarkable recent successes, following their Copa America win in 2021 and their World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022.
The final was not without its challenges. The match was delayed by over an hour due to unruly fans breaching security gates, creating a chaotic scene two hours before kickoff.
Messi’s injury occurred during the first half as he tried to chase down a ball, his right foot bending awkwardly. Despite the pain, Messi’s resolve was evident until he had to be substituted, at which point he was visibly emotional.
Argentina’s victory solidifies their status as one of soccer’s greatest dynasties, with three major international titles in just three years. The team celebrated their second consecutive Copa America title, demonstrating their resilience and depth even without their star player on the pitch.
For Colombia, the defeat ended their impressive 28-game unbeaten streak, marking their second consecutive loss to Argentina.
