Copa America 2024: Lautaro Martinez's extra-time winner seals historic 16th Copa America crown for Argentina

Earlier, Messi limped off due to injury.

After an unprecedented delay due to fan chaos in the buildup to the game, defending champions Argentina locked horns with in-form Colombia in the grand finale of Copa America 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Colombia started the match positively, as they were quick on the attack, creating two great goal-scoring opportunities in the opening minutes, putting Argentina on the back foot. Despite not being able to convert their chances in front of goal, Los Cafeteros looked the better side for the majority of the first half, making the contest far from an easy walkover for Argentina.

The entirety of Argentina had their hearts in their mouths when captain Lionel Messi went down on the ground and appeared to be in pain following a tackle by right-back Santiago Arias. However, any major scare was soon averted as Messi made his way back on the field to continue the game. Even with Colombia being the dominant side, both teams went into the break all even at 0-0 with everything to play for in the second period.

Nestor Lorenzo’s side commenced the second half just like they had played the first half, as the first best chance went to Santiago Arias, whose strike flew just wide of the post. La Albiceleste responded with a dangerous chance of their own, as Angel di Maria’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

With almost an hour gone into the match, Argentina ratcheted up the pressure on Colombia. The contest had opened up, with both teams creating rapid opportunities in search of the vital breakthrough goal.

Also read: Copa America title winners

However, in between all of this, Lionel Messi was down again, in what appeared to be a hamstring issue. Due to the severity of the injury, Messi’s time in the final was brought to a premature end as he was substituted for Nicolas Gonzalez. A heartbroken Messi was in tears on the Argentina bench as he looked on helplessly for the rest of the encounter with his ankle wrapped up in ice.

Approaching the final quarter of the game, Lionel Scaloni’s side thought they had found the go-ahead goal, but it was eventually ruled out for offside. With neither side being able to find the breakthrough goal, the match ended goalless at the end of regulation time, with extra time set to be played.

Argentina looked the more optimistic side in the first period of extra time, but with both teams absolutely exhausted, the game remained level at 0-0 through the first 15 minutes of action. However, in the second half of extra time, Argentina finally broke the deadlock in the 112th minute when super sub Lautaro Martinez found the back of the net with a composed finish to give his side a decisive 1-0 lead in the dying minutes of the contest.

Despite all their valiant efforts, Colombia was unable to find a late equaliser as Argentina held on to a narrow 1-0 win to clinch a record-breaking 16th Copa America trophy in their history.

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