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Argentina won the 2024 Copa America after beating Colombia 1-0 in the finals on Sunday, July 14. Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of a tense clash in the 112th minute as the Albiceleste retained their crown.
But contrast to this, it wasn't going according to plan for Lionel Messi and co., as they struggled to create clear-cut chances in the opening stanza, while Colombia did exactly that.
Courtesy of Emiliano Martinez's brilliance in between the sticks, though, Los Cafeteros struggled to find the back of the net regardless, as the sides went into the break goalless.
Argentina were dealt a big blow in the second half as Messi had to go off with an injury, having survived a scare in the first half. Their night turned from bad to worse as Gonzalo Montiel also sustained a knock, while also having a penalty appeal turned down for a handball.
With Colombia also unable to score, the game ended 0-0 as extra-time beckoned. Following another cagey first added minutes, Lionel Scaloni's side finally had the breakthrough when Martinez converted a pass from Giovani Lo Celso with an emphatic finish from the right.
The match turned frantic in the dying embers as Colombia threw caution to the wind, but came up short once again as Argentina ran out 1-0 victors to win their 16th Copa America title.
Here are the player ratings for Argentina:
Emiliano Martinez - 7.5/10
The Argentina custodian made a series of vital saves to frustrate Colombia and keep his side in the game.
Gonzalo Montiel - 6.5/10
He had his share of tough moments against Colombia's menacing frontline but maintained composure, although an injury wrecked his evening and he came off in the 72nd minute.
Cristian Romero - 7/10
He displayed nerves of steel in the face of Colombian onslaught in the opening stanza, and remained vigilant even after their momentum fizzled out a bit in the second half.
Lisandro Martinez - 7.5/10
The mortar to Romero's brick, Martinez produced a stoic display to keep Colombia's attackers at bay. He registered three clearances, blocked one shot, and made two interceptions.
Nicolas Tagliafico - 7/10
A telling impact at both ends by the left-back, who made five clearances and three interceptions, while also making great overlapping runs forward to contribute offensively too.
Angel Di Maria - 8.5/10
Argentina's creator-in-chief was at it again, feeding his attacking cohorts with a series of impeccable crosses while also laying a handful of key passes. Colombia's defense had no answers to his creative brilliance.
Rodrigo De Paul - 7.5/10
De Paul's ball-winning capabilities were on full display, as he tried to break Colombia's movements, while also timing his tackles to perfection.
Enzo Fernandez - 6/10
His passing was top-notch but Fernandez could not add much to Argentina's uncharacteristically flaccid attack.
Alexis Mac Allister - 7/10
Mac Allister did what he does best - helping his side regain possession and spraying immaculate passes. He even attempted a shot at goal, but it was blocked.
Lionel Messi - 7.5/10
The GOAT was struggling to impose himself on the match in the opening half, and even appeared to sustain a knock but recovered soon after. He improved after the break, looking more active and dangerous although Messi eventually succumbed to his injury and went off in tears.
Julian Alvarez - 6/10
The Manchester City hitman could hardly see the ball, and had one effort go off target in the opening stanza.
Substitutes
Nicolas Gonzalez - 5/10
Gonzalez replaced an injured Messi and was struggling to find his feet during the game but settled into the contest eventually. His aerial prowess was on full display, as Gonzalez won seven of his eight duels.
Nahuel Molina - 5/10
Extremely sloppy on the ball and poor awareness in positioning - Molina flattered to deceive big time.
Giovani Lo Celso - 7.5/10
Lo Celso set Martinez up for their winning goal with a simple-yet-accurate pass.
Leandro Paredes - 6.5/10
The AS Roma star kept biting at the heels of Colombia's players for the ball and came up trumps most of the time.
Lautaro Martinez - 8/10
The Inter Milan striker struck in the 112th minute to give Argentina the lead, and eventually win the title.
