Copa America 2024 Final, Argentina vs Colombia Highlights: Argentina clinched the Copa America 2024 title despite seeing Lionel Messi being substituted off in the second half due to an injury. Substitute striker Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring for Argentina in the 112th minute. Martinez’s strike proved enough as Argentina clinched the title with a 1-0 win. After neither of the teams managed to find a goal in 90 minutes, the game headed into extra-time. In the second half, Lionel Messi had to be substituted after sustaining an ankle injury. He was even spotted crying on the bench with a swollen ankle, after the injury forced him off the field prematurely. If the two teams fail to find a winner in extra-time, penalty shootout will follow.
In a thrilling showdown at the Maracanã Stadium, Argentina clinched their second consecutive Copa America title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Colombia. The match, held on July 14, 2024, was a testament to Argentina’s dominance in South American football, as they once again emerged victorious on the continental stage.
First Half: A Tense Stalemate
The first half of the match was marked by high intensity and cautious play from both sides. Argentina, led by their charismatic captain Lionel Messi, started off aggressively, controlling possession and pushing forward with intent. However, Colombia’s defense, anchored by the experienced Yerry Mina and Davinson Sánchez, held firm, repelling the early Argentine advances.
Colombia, under the tactical guidance of coach Reinaldo Rueda, opted for a more measured approach, relying on quick counter-attacks to threaten the Argentine defense. Juan Cuadrado and Luis Díaz were particularly effective in exploiting the flanks, but their efforts were consistently thwarted by the solid Argentine backline, marshaled by Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero.
The first real chance of the game came in the 18th minute when Messi’s free-kick from just outside the box forced a spectacular save from Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina. Moments later, Lautaro Martínez had a golden opportunity to put Argentina ahead, but his shot sailed just wide of the post.
Second Half: Argentina Takes Control
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Argentina ramped up the pressure. Their midfield, orchestrated by the industrious Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes, began to dominate proceedings, creating several scoring opportunities. Colombia, meanwhile, struggled to maintain their first-half composure, and their defensive lines started to show signs of fatigue.
The breakthrough finally came in the 64th minute. After a period of sustained pressure, Argentina won a corner. Messi’s perfectly weighted delivery found the head of Otamendi, who directed the ball towards goal. The initial attempt was parried away by Ospina, but the rebound fell kindly to Martínez, who made no mistake from close range, slotting the ball into the back of the net to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.
The goal ignited celebrations among the Argentine players and fans, but there was still work to be done. Colombia responded by pushing more men forward in search of an equalizer. James Rodríguez, who had been relatively quiet throughout the match, began to exert more influence, linking up well with Díaz and Rafael Santos Borré.
Colombia’s Fightback and Argentina’s Resilience
Despite Colombia’s increased urgency, Argentina’s defense remained resolute. Emiliano Martínez, the Argentine goalkeeper, made a series of crucial saves to deny Colombia a route back into the game. His reflex save from a powerful strike by Borré in the 72nd minute was particularly impressive, showcasing his shot-stopping abilities.
As the match entered its final stages, tensions ran high. Colombia threw everything they had at the Argentine defense, but their efforts were in vain. Argentina’s tactical discipline and defensive organization proved too much for the Colombians to overcome. In the 88th minute, Cuadrado’s long-range effort narrowly missed the target, epitomizing Colombia’s night of frustration.
Final Whistle and Celebrations
The final whistle was met with an explosion of joy from the Argentine contingent. Players and fans alike celebrated a hard-fought victory that secured their back-to-back Copa America titles. For Lionel Messi, it was another crowning achievement in his illustrious career, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
In the post-match ceremony, Messi was awarded the tournament’s Best Player award, a fitting recognition for his pivotal role in Argentina’s triumph. The Argentine captain, visibly emotional, dedicated the victory to the fans and his teammates, emphasizing the collective effort and unity that had driven their success.
Colombia’s Gallant Effort
Despite the defeat, Colombia could hold their heads high. They had shown great resilience and determination throughout the tournament, and their performance in the final was a testament to their quality and fighting spirit. Coach Rueda praised his players for their effort and vowed that Colombia would come back stronger in future competitions.
Conclusion
Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America 2024 final was a showcase of skill, strategy, and resilience. The triumph not only highlighted Argentina’s dominance in South American football but also underscored Lionel Messi’s enduring brilliance. As the celebrations continued into the night, one thing was clear: Argentina had once again proven themselves as the kings of the continent.
