Argentina win 2024 Copa America thanks to dramatic victory over Colombia in extra time
Thanks to Lautaro Martinez's goal, Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in extra time to win the 2024 Copa America in the United States. Watch the goal and highlights of this hard-fought game here.
Argentina are the 2024 Copa America champions! Lionel Messi wasn’t able to finish the game against Colombia, but Leo once again celebrates thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s crucial goal in extra time.
The Inter Milan striker, who came on for Julian Alvarez after 97′, proved the difference after 112 minutes to score his fifth goal in this Copa America. It was enough for Lionel Scaloni’s side to defend its crown in the United States.
Just like in 2021 at the Maracana, in 2022 at Wembley, and later at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Argentina have won their fourth consecutive final, proving this team can succeed with or without Messi, regardless of the venue, tournament or opponent.
It was quite a rollercoaster final in Miami, with incidents that delayed kick-off for more than an hour. The game was extremely hard-fought, with Colombia making things extremely complicated for the defending champs. But at the end of the day, Argentina found a way to victory. As they always seem to do under Scaloni.
Watch the goal and highlights below.
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ARGENTINA ARE THE 2024 COPA AMERICA CHAMPS!
Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in extra time to successfully defend their Copa America crown and you lived every moment of this exciting game here, on Bolavip.
Thanks for staying with us, see you next time!
ARGENTINA WIN 2024 COPA AMERICA!
Argentina are the 2024 Copa America champions thanks to a hard-fought win over Colombia in extra time!
117' - Di Maria subbed off
Di Maria receives a standing ovation as he leaves the field in tears in his last international match.
Nicolas Otamendi comes on for Argentina.
Lautaro dedicates it to Messi
Lautaro Martinez, who scored his fifth goal in the 2024 Copa America, celebrated with Messi.
Only 15 minutes to know the winner or if we'll have a penalty shootout.
Three substitutions in Colombia: Luis Diaz out for Miguel Borja, Jhon Arias replaced by Jorge Carrascal and Jefferson Lerma gets subbed off for Mateus Uribe.
First half of extra time over (0-0)
Only 15 minutes left. If the game remains level, penalties will come into play.
Argentina have one substitution left
Scaloni can still make one more change.
96' - More changes in Argentina (0-0)
Lautaro Martinez, Leandro Paredes, and Giovani Lo Celso take the field.
Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister go to the bench,
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94' - Great stop from Vargas!
The Colombian keeps things level by saving a dangerous shot from Gonzalez.
James also subbed off
James Rodriguez was subbed off for Juanfer Quintero in Colombia.
Extra time explained
Two more periods of 15 minutes will be played.
If the draw persists, the winner will be decided on penalties.
FULL TIME: Extra time in Miami
The 2024 Copa America final goes to extra time.
90+2' - So close! (0-0)
Nicolas Gonzalez had a golden chance in the box but his shot goes to the stands.
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90' - Four minutes added
Four more minutes will be played.
89' - More substitutions in Colombia (0-0)
Richard Rios leaves for Kevin Castaño and Rafael Santos Borre replaces Jhon Cordoba.
Reminder: Tiebreaker for Copa America 2024 final
If the game remains level after regular time, the final will go to extra time.
Here's another statement from Hard Rock Stadium spokesperson on why fans ended up being allowed into the stadium without tickets (via Safid Deen of USA Today):
“In collaboration with CONMEBOL and law enforcement officers, the decision was made to open the stadium gates for a short period of time to all fans in order to prevent stampedes and serious injury at the perimeter. There was serious concern of fans being crushed in an attempt to enter. Law enforcement and security personnel were immediately deployed throughout the stadium and surrounding area to keep fans as safe as possible in light of this unprecedented situation.
“We urge fans to listen to law enforcement and security personnel throughout the night for the safety of all in attendance.”
Shakira's halftime show
The Colombian singer now takes center stage with her halftime show.
All eyes are on Messi
Messi will use the break to get further assessment from the doctors to determine whether to come back for the second half.
The halftime will be a bit longer as Shakira will perform a show at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Instead of 15 minutes, the 2024 Copa America halftime is expected to last between 20 and 25'.
HALFTIME
Argentina and Colombia are still goalless.
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44' - Another chance for Argentina (0-0)
Tagliafico header goes above the goal after a cross from Messi.
Santiago Arias was booked for the foul in Colombia.
Messi to wait until halftime
Argentine NT insider Gaston Edul of TyC Sports reports Messi will wait to get further treatment by the doctors at the break before deciding whether to ask to be subbed off.
40' - Another save by Martinez (0-0)
Rios tries long range but Martinez has no problem stopping that shot.
Messi struggling to run
Messi looks harmed from that contact and it looks like he'll need further assistance. His continuity in the game looks uncertain.
In the event of a draw in regular time, the 2024 Copa America final will go to extra time. If the score remains level after 120', the winner will be decided on penalties.
27' - First yellow card for Colombia (0-0)
Jhon Cordoba gets booked for a strong challenge on Lisandro Martinez.
Security checking tickets
Via Laken Litman of FOX Sports (@LakenLitman on X): "As game goes on, security is actively going into the crowd checking tickets and removing fans. It’s incredibly packed down there. People fanning themselves and parents escorting kids out of the stands."
20' - Messi almost scores! (0-0)
Leo's effort was deflected by Alvarez.
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12' - Huge save by Martinez (0-0)
The Argentine keeper denies a header by Cuesta in the box.
Messi with yet another record
Leo Messi becomes the first player to take part in the final of five different Copa Americas.
5' - Colombia's first chance (0-0)
Luis Diaz's effort is stopped by Emiliano Martinez.
1' - First chance for Argentina (0-0)
Messi started a great play but Julian Alvarez couldn't shoot the ball in the best way.
0' - GAME ON! (0-0)
The 2024 Copa America final is underway in Miami.
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The teams take the field!
Both Argentina and Colombia are walking out to the field as kick-off draws nearer.
Abel Pintos will sing Argentina's national anthem, while Karol G will perform that of Colombia.
Teams back on the dressing rooms
Both Argentina and Colombia are preparing for kick-off.
After some horrible scenes, it looks like the game is finally ready to get underway.
Five more minutes of delay
One more delay to the kick-off time: the game will start at 9:20 PM (ET).
New kick-off time
The 2024 Copa America final will kick off at 9:15 PM (ET).
Argentina and Colombia are back on the field to warm up for the 2024 Copa America final.
Argentine players waiting
Gaston Edul of TyC Sports reports the Argentine players will not take the field until they know their families could get in.
Further kick-off delay expected
Even though the official kick-off time is 8:45 PM (ET), Gaston Edul of TyC Sports believes the Copa America final will be postponed for the third time. The game will likely start at 9:00 PM.
Gates completely open
Gates are open and people are getting in without tickets.
CONMEBOL released a statement in the wake of the incidents at Hard Rock Stadium:
"We would like to inform you that individuals without tickets will not be allowed entry into the stadium.
Only those with purchased tickets will be permitted entry once access is reopened.
We also inform you that the match will be delayed by 30 minutes, starting at 8:30 PM".
Kick-off at 8:30 PM (ET)
The game between Argentina and Colombia hasn't even started and yet it has already been marred by the situation with fans who sneaked into the Hard Rock Stadium, forcing others to wait outside as the gates have been closed.
The 2024 Copa America final will start at 8:30 PM.
Nearly 30,000 are outside the stadium, which still has many empty seats.
Report: Kick-off delayed
According to Gaston Edul of TyC Sports, the kick-off time of the 2024 Copa America final will be delayed half an hour due to the incidents at the gates.
As we mentioned before, many fans sneaked into the stadium and others who have tickets are now waiting outside the Hard Rock Stadium as the doors are closed.
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Angel Di Maria's last match with Argentina
While many eyes are still on Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria is drawing much of the attention as tonight's Copa America final will be his last match with the Argentine national team.
Here's Colombia's lineup for the 2024 Copa America final against Argentina:
Camilo Vargas, Santiago Arias, Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, Johan Mojica, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios, James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias, Luis Diaz, Jhon Cordoba.
Argentina's lineup confirmed
Here's Argentina's starting eleven for the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia.
This means the halftime will last a bit longer than 15 minutes, with the teams expected to come back for the second half nearly 20 minutes later. This doesn't sit well with many, especially with the teams in question.
Fans who have tickets for the 2024 Copa America final are waiting outside the stadium with the gates closed as the police is reportedly looking for the intruders who sneaked into the Hard Rock Stadium getting past the stewards.
A una hora del pitazo inicial, puertas cerradas.
Un montón de gente desesperada, con entrada, esperando afuera que los dejen pasar.
Los policías expresan que hasta que no saquen a todos los coleados que se saltaron la seguridad no van a abrir las puertas.
CAOS! @CONMEBOL
A full house is expected at the Hard Rock Stadium, which is tonight's attendance should be nearly 65,300.
But as we've mentioned before, the chaos with fans sneaking into the stadium has created some problems at the gates, with the police trying to intercept the intruders to let those who bought tickets to get in.
Following a breach, the entry at the Southwest gate was blocked and it led to a major fan congestion.
Tonight's stage
Argentina and Colombia will be playing at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It has been home to the NFL franchise Miami Dolphins since 1987 but the stadium went through huge renovation between 2015 and 2016 though, with the addition of an open-air canopy.
With a 65,300 capacity, the Hard Rock Stadium hosted countless international friendlies in the last few years before being selected as a 2024 Copa America venue. In addition, it will host 2026 World Cup matches, including the third-place game.
The Hard Rock Stadium is also home to other high-profile sporting events, including the Miami Open and the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
A general view of the Hard Rock Stadium, home to the 2024 Copa America final.
Tonight's referees
Brazilian referee Raphael Claus will officiate tonight's 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia, with fellow countrymen Bruno Pires and Rodrigo Correa as his assistants. VAR will also be in charge of a Brazilian, with Rodolpho Toski reviewing plays in the booth.
Just in case you were wondering, Messi is starting in Miami tonight. According to Argentine national team insider Gaston Edul of TyC Sports, here's Argentina's predicted lineup to play Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final:
Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo de Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Angel Di Maria.
Kick-off time and how to watch
The 2024 Copa America final will get underway at 8:00 PM (ET).
Argentina and Colombia clash in 2024 Copa America final
Welcome to our live blog of the 2024 Copa America final!
Argentina and Colombia battle it out for the continental glory at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami tonight, and you'll find everything you need to know here, on Bolavip.
Stay with us to get the necessary information and fun facts in the preview before we bring you minute-by-minute updates throughout the game!
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. Since joining Bolavip in February 2021, he has extensively covered soccer, NFL, and NBA, specializing in real-time coverage of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. Martin’s prior experience includes managing social media for the CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. At Bolavip, he is known for his meticulous coverage during critical sports seasons—covering trades, playoffs, and finals—and for keeping a close eye on soccer icons Lionel Messi at Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. His attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news have made him a valuable asset to the team.