Argentina secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Colombia in the final of the Copa America Copa Americawith a decisive goal by Lautaro Martinez in the second half of extra time.
The match showed Argentina's resilience and determination to claim its 16th Copa America title, making it the most successful team in the tournament's history, surpassing Uruguay, which has 15 titles.
Previous Chaos
The final was held at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, a venue that experienced significant pre-match chaos due to a large number of ticketless fans attempting to force entry.
The start of the match was significantly delayed for an hour and 20 minutes due to these security problems. Thousands of fans attempted to force their way into the stadium entrances, causing dangerous overcrowding and chaos.
Security personnel and police struggled to manage the situation, leading to a series of chaotic scenes as fans pushed through barriers and overwhelmed the entrances. This disruption resulted in distress for many legitimate ticket holders, including women and children who experienced the anxiety of the disorderly crowd.
Fans who had paid high prices for their tickets found themselves unable to access their seats or even enter the stadium until much later. Conmebol's initial announcement of a 30-minute delay was extended several times, finally adding up to an 80-minute postponement before the match could begin.
This situation caused considerable delays and disturbances, impacting fans and players alike. Despite these challenges, the match continued, with Argentina emerging victorious in a tense and hotly contested contest.
The Game Finally Begins
The first 90 minutes were characterized by intense competition and strategic play from both teams. Colombia posed the most significant threats in the first half, with John Cordoba creating an early chance in the 6th minute that barely grazed the post.
Argentina's best chance came in the 20th minute when Angel di Maria and Lionel Messi combined brilliantly, only for Messi's shot to deflect off teammate Julian Alvarez.
The first half ended with both teams sharing 50% possession, reflecting the balanced and competitive nature of the game. Colombia managed four shots on goal, compared to just one attempt by Argentina, showing their aggressive approach.
In the second half, Argentina took control of the game, creating multiple scoring opportunities. Nicolas Tagliafico thought he had broken the deadlock in the 75th minute, only to have his goal disallowed for offside.
This decision was a significant moment in the match, as it momentarily lifted Colombian spirits and added to the tension on the field. Despite continued pressure, Argentina could not find the net in regulation time, taking the game into extra time.
In extra time, Argentina stepped up their efforts, with Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas making a crucial save from a point-blank shot by Nicolas Gonzalez early in the first period of extra time.
Colombia's Juan Fernando Quintero, who had replaced captain James Rodriguez, tried to inspire his team with brilliant individual moves, but his efforts did not result in a goal.
The match remained tied until the 112th minute, when a quick and decisive move between Lo Celso and Martinez finally broke the deadlock, securing the victory for Argentina.
One of the most poignant moments of the match occurred in the 64th minute when Lionel Messi, the talisman and captain of the Argentine team, went down with what appeared to be a serious muscle injury.
Messi, who has been instrumental in Argentina's recent successes, signaled that he could not continue and was visibly emotional as he left the field, possibly marking his last appearance in a Copa America final.
Earlier in the match, Messi was already dealing with a niggle from a challenge with Santiago Arias, which seemed to affect his performance throughout the game. His departure added a layer of emotional intensity to the match, with his teammates struggling to secure the win in his absence.
THE SIXTEENTH. pic.twitter.com/5ChlcjxpJw
- CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) July 15, 2024
Argentina Imposes Itself
This victory adds to Argentina's remarkable run of success, as they have now won four consecutive major finals: the Copa America in 2021, the Finalissima in 2022, the World Cup in 2022 and again the Copa America in 2024.
The only goal of the match came in the 112th minute after a brilliant and complicated move that started from midfield. Giovani Lo Celso, known for his vision and precision, delivered a perfectly timed pass to Lautaro Martinez.
Martinez, demonstrating his clinical finishing skills, fired a powerful shot that left the Colombian goalkeeper with no chance, securing the victory for Argentina. This goal not only highlighted Martinez's skill, but also underscored the cohesive team play and tactical ability of the Argentine national team.
