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For the Argentines, it would be a hard-fought 16th Copa America trophy. With an injured Messi crying and Angel Di Maria in the Albiceleste’s final match, extra time was needed to defeat a tenacious Colombian team. Colombia and Argentina both had chances, but the battle dragged on until the 112th minute for the only goal.
The 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia was delayed by 45 minutes as fans swarmed the doors, with many reportedly trying to get in without tickets.
Defending champions Argentina are currently the most successful team in the tournament with 15 titles and have a chance to break that record. Colombia has only won once, in 2001.
Colombia created the better chances after the first 45 minutes at the Hard Rock Stadium, but Argentina defended firmly and the game remained goalless at halftime.
Colombia’s best chance came when James Rodriguez found Jon Cordoba in the box with a wonderful pass early in the game. Cordoba managed to get the leather down and take an acrobatic shot. The shot hit the outside of the post and went out of bounds.
Angel Di Maria’s low pass from the left wing found Messi. Messi shot first but his shot was blocked. Colombia’s defense survived the onslaught.
Davinson Sanchez tried to pass forward but missed everyone and passed directly to Aimi Martinez who caught the ball. Argentina had several chances but Colombia still dominated the game.
After a wonderful halftime performance by Colombian singer Shakira, the whistle for the second half blew.
The Argentine was stunned when Santiago Arias’ cross went just past Emi Martinez’s right post.
In the 64th minute, Messi fell to the ground, and it seemed that his old injury had worsened. This was not good news for Argentina. They did not want to lose their captain at this stage. Messi lost control of his emotions, fell to the ground, and left the court in tears.
Argentina then had some momentary joy when Nico Gonzalez put the ball into the net with a sleek finish, but the joy was short-lived after the assistant coach raised the offside flag.
At the end of the 90 minutes of regular time, if the two teams are tied, the game will go into extra time. Extra time is only available in the Copa America final.
The players will now continue their 30-minute match, a test of determination and endurance. Neither team wants to go to a penalty shootout.
De Paul made a brilliant run into the box and found Nicolas Gonzalez at the back post, cutting in. Gonzalez’s initial shot connected well but went straight at Camilo Vargas, who saved it and held onto the ball.
In the second extra time, Giovanni Lo Celso made sure of Lautaro Martinez’s goal with a perfect move. The Inter striker drove inside and calmly fired into the far corner. Argentina was on its way to its 16th Copa America title.
In front of a packed stadium, Argentina celebrated their record 16th Copa America title.
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