Argentina wins its record Copa America title for the 16th time after beating Colombia 1-0 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday. Despite Lionel Messi’s injury, Argentina neutralized Colombia’s lethal attack, proving once again that they are the best team in the world right now. The victory also ends Colombia’s 28-match unbeaten streak.
Match Result:
Argentina 1-0 Colombia
Goalscorer:
Argentina: Lautaro Martínez 112’
First Half Analysis
The opening 45 minutes were a cagey affair, with both teams cautious about not conceding first. Argentina employed chasing-game tactics, but their defense was top-notch, with Romero leading the charge. Colombia, on the other hand, displayed more urgency and created some chances but was unable to breach La Albiceleste’s defense.
Key Moments: 
- Colombia dominated the first half.
- The Colombians deflected Messi’s center shot, assisted by Angel Di Maria.
- Jhon Cordoba received a yellow card for a serious foul.
Second Half Highlights
The second half began similarly, with Argentina defending and Colombia coming up with an occasional counterattack. The substitution of Messi in the 66th minute due to a muscle pull appeared to diminish Argentina’s chances. However, Argentina’s players became more dominant and started playing with intent.
Key Moments:
- An injury forced the substitution of Messi in the 66th minute.
- James Rodriguez was dangerous with his set-piece deliveries.
- Nicolas Gonzalez almost scored in the 90+3 minute.
Extra-Time Highlights
In extra time, Lautaro Martinez’s entry revived Argentina, but Colombia looked more likely to score. Nestor Lorenzo made some brave changes, but his gamble backfired. Santiago Arias’s lapse in the second half of extra time allowed Martinez to nail the winner in the 112th minute. Colombia tried every opportunity, but Emiliano Martinez stood tall against them.
Key Moments:
- Lautaro Martinez scored in the 112th minute, following a lapse from the Colombian defense.
- Lorenzo’s substitutions of Lerma, Arias, Diaz, and Rodriguez backfired.
- Emiliano Martinez made crucial stops in the dying minutes.
Match-defining Moments:
Romero’s Masterclass: Colombia, with the most goals in the competition (12), couldn’t break Argentina’s defense, thanks to Cristian Romero’s impeccable performance. He had the best passing accuracy (95%) in the game, helping Argentina control the midfield. His 100% success rate on long balls kept Colombia’s defense in check.
Super-sub Martinez: Messi’s substitution put Argentina in danger, but Martinez turned things around. Martinez’s benching, despite his four goals, rejuvenated Argentina and led to his extra-time winner.
Emiliano Martinez’s Perfect Day: Emiliano Martinez has been Argentina’s hero in their recent triumphs. Against Colombia’s 19 shots, he looked like a wall, making four crucial saves and displaying inch-perfect ball control.
Implications and Future Prospects
Argentina didn’t always look their best in Copa America 2024, but they consistently found ways to win. Despite Colombia’s dominance and Messi’s injury, they stayed resilient and won in extra time. Conceding only one goal throughout the competition is a significant achievement.
Colombia, arguably the best side of the tournament, dominated the final, but luck eluded them. They had 19 shots at the goal but failed to convert. Their future looks bright, and they could soon end their Copa America drought with new talents like Richard Rios.
Conclusion
Football can be cruel at times, as the outcome of the Copa America final demonstrated. Despite Colombia’s dominance and numerous chances, Argentina emerged victorious. Argentina may not always be the most attractive team, but they know how to get results.
