Argentina defeated Colombia in extra time in the final of the Copa America 2024 with a goal by Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, who is the top scorer of his team and of the tournament, and became champions of the tournament once again.
Lautaro Martinez scored the goal of the match in second-half of extra time after a great assist from Giovani Lo Celso to give Argentina the title of Copa America 2024.
Additionally, Lionel Messi’s legacy grew even further as he became the player with the most titles in soccer history, amassing 45 trophies. Up next, Argentina will face Spain, the UEFA Euro 2024 champions, in the Finalissima.
Argentina’s path to become Copa America champions
Argentina’s journey to the Copa America 2024 championship began with a flawless group stage performance, winning all three matches. They opened with a 2-0 victory over Canada, followed by a 1-0 win against Chile, and concluded with a 2-0 triumph over Peru.
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with the trophy after the team’s victory during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium. Megan Briggs/Getty Images
In the quarter-finals, Argentina faced a tough challenge against Ecuador. The match ended 1-1 in regular time, but Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez emerged as the hero in the penalty shootout, ensuring Argentina’s advancement to the semifinals.
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In the semifinals, Argentina once again faced Canada and replicated their group stage success with another 2-0 victory, propelling them to the final for the second consecutive tournament. The final pitted them against a formidable Colombia side, who boasted a 28-game unbeaten streak.
After a deadlock in regulation time, Lautaro Martinez delivered the decisive blow in the second half of extra time, securing Argentina’s historic 16th Copa America title.
