In a tournament filled with drama, Argentina and Colombia saved the best for last, fighting tooth and nail with one another in an attempt to take home the 2024 Copa America hardware.
Sunday's match was a hectic affair, filled with thrills, spills...and plenty of fouls. In the end, though, only one side could end the night on top. After a last-gasp goal from Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez, it was Argentina who walked out worthy victors, capturing a 1-0 victory to pick up their second consecutive Copa America title.
La Albiceleste did so without Lionel Messi for much of the game. He was forced off the field after suffering a non-contact leg injury in the game's 66th minute.
Fueled by Lionel Scaloni's substitutions, however, Argentina found a way. In the process, they took home their 16th Copa America title, the most in the competition's history.
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Who won Copa America 2024?
Argentina won the 2024 Copa America, outlasting Colombia in a combative contest in Miami, 1-0.
The game seemed destined to be a cagey affair, particularly after scores of ticketless fans broke into Hard Rock Stadium — the site of this year's Copa America final — delaying the start of the game by 75 minutes.
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The first 90 minutes proved enthralling, if nothing else. Chances were few and far between with neither side surrendering much in the final third. There were a few half-chances here and there. By and large, though, the game was lacking in end product — even with star power littered across the verdant green grass.
Lionel Messi exited the game after appearing to suffer a non-contact leg injury in the game's 66th minute. His replacement, Nico Gonzalez, was a worthy alternative, offering a compelling option on the wing and showcasing impressive leaping ability.
Messi wasn't the only supernova to leave the game, however. James Rodriguez wasn't quite able to find his rhythm as the game raced on. Los Cafeteros manager Nestor Lorenzo opted to relieve Colombia's No. 10 of his services, replacing him with fellow playmaker Juan Fernando Quintero.
Things remained tight for much of extra time. In the 112' minute, however, a strike sent the blue-and-white segments of the crowd into raptures.
Lautaro Martinez, the leading goal-scorer in Copa America, had to wait until the 98th minute to see his number called. Fourteen minutes later, he showcased he's such a highly touted figure in the international game, firing home a strike over outstretched goalkeeper Camilo Vargas to open up the scoring.
Martinez's finish was enough. The minutes drifted away with relative ease, and when the final whistle was blown, it was La Albiceleste dancing under the confetti, taking home their third consecutive major international title — two Copa Americas sandwiching around a World Cup.
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Copa America 2024 final score
| Score (FT) | Goal scorers | |
| Argentina | 1 | La. Martinez 112' |
| Colombia | 0 |
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)
Referee: Raphael Claus (BRA)
Starting lineups:
Argentina (4-3-3, right to left): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 4. Montiel (Molina, 72'), 13. Romero, 25. Li. Martinez, 3. Tagliafico — 7. De Paul, 24. E. Fernandez (Paredes, 96'), 20. Mac Allister (Lo Celso, 96') — 11. Di Maria, 10. Messi (N. Gonzalez, 66'), 9. Alvarez (La. Martinez, 96').
Colombia (4-2-3-1, right to left): 12. Vargas (GK) — 4. S. Arias, 23. Sanchez, 2. Cuesta, 17. Mojica — 6. Rios (Castano, 88'), 16. Lerma — 11. J. Arias, 10. J. Rodriguez (Quintero, 91'), 7. L. Diaz — 24. Cordoba (Borre, 88').
