In a hard-fought game at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, Lautaro Martinez proved the difference with a clutch goal in extra time. With only eight minutes remaining in overtime, the Inter Milan striker scored the winner for his country.

It was a special victory for Lionel Scaloni’s side, who were determined to do it for Messi. The captain had to be subbed off after 66 minutes due to injury, but far from destroying Argentina‘s hopes, it made the team stronger.

With Messi in tears on the bench and a swollen ankle in bad shape, his teammates felt they had to leave it all out on the pitch to make Leo proud. And in the end, they delivered.

It may have not been the tournament the 37-year-old imagined, but it still finished the way he wanted. Just like in 2021, Messi lifted the Copa America trophy wearing the captain’s armband.

2024 Copa America facts: A historic edition of the Conmebol tournament

While it was memorable for Argentina, the 2024 Copa America has also been a historic edition in tournament history. According to Fox, the final between Argentina and Colombia had more than twice the number of English-speaking viewers than the Euro 2024 final.

In addition, the quarterfinal and semifinal matches were the most-watched in the history of soccer coverage on English-language television in the US. The final also broke a decade-long viewership record from Univision since the 2014 World Cup, with more than 6 million Spanish-speaking viewers.

According to data from Univision, TUDN, and ViX; the 2024 Copa America final was watched by 111.67% more Spanish-speaking viewers than the UEFA Euro 2024 final.

The 2024 Copa America also set attendance records, with an average of 49,000+ spectators per game, representing a 77% of average attendance in each stadium. Besides, the Argentina – Chile group stage match was the most attended soccer game in the summer with 81,102 spectators at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Overall, 1.6 million spectators attended the 32 matches.

The organization also increased the purse, with Conmebol handing up to $100 million in prizes. That is nearly 50% more than in 2019, with each participant team getting $2 million. The champs got an even bigger paycheck, as Argentina bagged $20 million for winning the title.

Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 with a goal from Lautaro Martinez in extra time. Under the management of Lionel Scaloni, the Argentine squad justified their victory by playing at a high level during the extra period and demonstrating their superiority on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, Colombia ran out of steam, a point that their coach, Argentine Nestor Lorenzo, has offered an explanation for.

Nestor Lorenzo’s criticisms of Colombia’s short rest period in Copa America 2024

While he expressed being “satisfied” with the performance of the Colombian national team, Lorenzo pointed out a factor that worked against them and provided an advantage to Argentina. In an interview with SuperMitre, the former assistant to Jose Pekerman criticized the organization of the Copa America.

“One should never be complacent. Now, after analyzing the logistics, the matches, and the players’ expenses, I believe it was a bit uneven. We arrived in a physically disadvantaged position”, Lorenzo questioned.

In this regard, the Colombia coach argued that his team had less rest time compared to Argentina, which affected them in such a physically demanding and tense final. “Considering we played six matches in 20 days, while Argentina played in 24, and they had their semifinals a day earlier—there were many factors that influenced how the start disadvantaged us more” he said.

“In fact, many of my players asked to be substituted because they were cramping up. That had a significant impact; we were fit to compete, and we did well, but we fell a bit short. Playing two matches in Arizona—well, training there was extremely tough,” he concluded.

Argentina and Colombia will face each other again in the South American World Cup Qualifiers

Argentina and Colombia will renew their clash from the Copa America final, but this time in the South American World Cup Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. They will meet on September 10th in Barranquilla.

Ahead of this match, there is concern in Colombia over the high demand for tickets from local fans. Consequently, the Colombian Football Federation issued a statement clarifying that there will be a reduced capacity at the Metropolitano Stadium in Barranquilla and urged caution regarding ticket scalping for the game.

On Wednesday, the best eleven of the competition were revealed, with Messi’s presence taking many by surprise as the 37-year-old didn’t look like his true self in the United States this summer.

Troubled with a muscle injury since the opening match, Messi scored only one goal in the 2024 Copa America, which came in the semifinal win over Canada. He only missed the group stage finale against Peru, but Leo had to be subbed off in the final due to injury.

Copa America 2024 Team of the Tournament: Who made the cut apart from Messi?

Messi finished as the sixth highest-rated player of the continental tournament. With this in mind, Conmebol‘s Tactical Study Group (TSG), comprised of renowned South American coaches, selected Messi as part of the best lineup, alongside four other Argentines: Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez, Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lautaro Martínez.

Here’s the 2024 Copa America Team of the Tournament, chosen by Conmebol’s TSG: Emiliano Martinez (Argentina); Alistair Johnston (Canada), Cristian Romero (Argentina), Davinson Sanchez (Colombia), Piero Hincapie (Ecuador); Rodrigo de Paul (Argentina), Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay), James Rodriguez (Colombia); Lionel Messi (Argentina), Lautaro Martinez (Argentina), Raphinha (Brazil).

Messi’s journey at 2024 Copa America with Argentina

Argentina began the group stage with a 2-0 victory over Canada, where Messi provided an assist. However, during the match against Chile, Messi was not at his best, picking up a muscle injury that ruled him out for the group stage finale win against Peru.

The Argentine national team then beat Ecuador on penalties in the quarterfinals, despite Messi missing his panenka attempt. Leo scored his first goal of the tournament in the semifinals, netting the second goal in a 2-0 win against Canada.

In the final against Colombia, the Argentine captain couldn’t finish the match due to another injury. Messi was seen in tears after being subbed off but ended up smiling as Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina the upper hand in extra time.

Messi finished the 2024 Copa America with a goal and an assist in 426 minutes on the field, recording an average rating of 7.54, according to SofaScore. “The Argentinian played his seventh and final CONMEBOL Copa América, achieving the record for matches in the tournament, scoring one goal, and lifting his second trophy,” the CONMEBOL Copa America website reads.

It hadn’t been the best Copa America for Lionel Messi. Before the final against Colombia, the Argentine star had recorded just one goal and one assist in 426 minutes of play. But Messi is known for rising to the occasion in crucial moments.

Messi twisted his right ankle in the first half and played through the pain until the 66th minute. When he finally exited the match, images of him tearfully sitting on the bench went viral, highlighting his commitment and pain. His teammates knew they had to step up in his absence.

Argentina clinched victory with a goal from Lautaro Martinez in extra time, winning the 48th edition of the Copa America. During the celebration, Messi showed a gesture of sportsmanship towards Colombian players that quickly gained traction on social media.

Lionel Messi breaking protocol for Juan Fernando Quintero

Amid the formalities, with the Argentine players gathered to receive their trophy, Messi took a moment to step away. He sought out Juan Fernando Quintero and gave him a heartfelt hug, breaking protocol and sparking an emotional reaction from the Colombian midfielder.

Juan Fernando Quintero’s reaction

Quintero later acknowledged the moment on Instagram, sharing the video of Messi’s embrace with emojis of hands making a heart, a soccer ball, and a red heart.

Messi’s gestures of respect and camaraderie during the Copa America final not only highlight his sportsmanship but also added an unforgettable layer to the tournament’s legacy.

After Colombia’s 1-0 defeat against Argentina, Davinson Sanchez attended an event with Nike Colombia and, in a conversation with DSports channel, analyzed the Copa America final. His message was very clear for Messi and his teammates.

“I remember the first 15, 20 minutes where we had everything to keep pressing and score, but then came the moment of Messi’s injury, which no one wants. The pace slowed down, then we went back on the attack, and they started with, ‘It hurts here, it hurts there.’ They slowed down the game a bit,” Sánchez stated, and the most controversial part was yet to come.

Argentina improved in the first minutes of the second half and managed two shots on goal. The Colombian national team tried to dominate the game again and had a clear chance, but the strategy of the Argentine players, already without Lionel Messi on the field since the 66th minute, would prove effective once more.

“In the second half, they started a bit better than in the first, but we also had opportunities. We talked all the time about not losing momentum, the desire, being there with chances or near their goal, and it happened,” Davinson Sanchez told DSports channel.

What the Argentine players did to disrupt Colombia’s game

When making a general assessment of the 2024 Copa America final, Sanchez was clear and revealed what Messi and his teammates did to prevent Colombia from playing: “The game was prepared a lot, not just on the field. We stayed connected with ourselves and tried not to lose focus. They were specialists at that. In our best moments, they constantly slowed the game down, took more time to restart play, and argued with the referee. Well… In their own way, because we knew that if we could be consistent in our game, in our pressure, in our way of controlling them, we would find many more ways to score. For me, that was the key.”

Messi’s exit helped Argentina in the Final, according to Davinson Sanchez

“Messi’s exit was key, not only because someone (Nicolas Gonzalez) came in with a bit more physical endurance. At that moment, they took away our momentum because we were playing a very good game on the right side with Santiago Arias and Richard Rios. They moved Di Maria to block Santiago, and the game became more balanced. They didn’t dominate us, but it became more even, and we tried to find a way back into the game, but it took time. When we found our way back into the game, they adjusted again, and it took more time. Unfortunately, as I said, we found our way back too late, and they won the game,” concluded Davinson Sanchez.

According to a report by Marca, Florida authorities have already identified at least 7,000 individuals who are now being sought after by Miami Police. It was reported that 8,000 people entered the stadium by force to watch the Copa America final without tickets.

The report indicates that 90% of those who broke in have been identified by using advanced camera technology capable of detecting biometric data of the trespassers, many of those responsible for the incidents were of Colombian nationality or wearing Colombia kits.

What Will the Punishment Be for Those Who Broke Into Hard Rock Stadium?

According to Marca, Florida authorities are looking to arrest, send to jail, and even deport those involved in the vandalism that took place.

Many of the people identified are reportedly Miami residents and/or undocumented immigrants, and Florida authorities will begin to arrest those involved.

Those identified as non-residents or who were traveling from abroad when the incidents took place will lose their tourist visas.

The animosity had historical roots. In the Copa America 2021 quarter-finals, Colombia had eliminated Uruguay in a dramatic penalty shootout, with both Borja and Suarez converting their penalties. This previous encounter set the stage for the tension in their 2024 face-off.

Colombia took the lead with a goal from Jefferson Lerma in the 39th minute. The match dynamics shifted dramatically when Daniel Muñoz was sent off, forcing Colombia to play the entire second half with ten men.

Despite this disadvantage, Colombia held firm. Luis Suarez, who entered the game in the 67th minute, had a crucial chance to equalize but hit the post, sealing Uruguay’s fate and sending Colombia to the final.

What did Borja reportedly say to Suarez?

As the final whistle blew, the tension between Borja and Suarez culminated in a face-to-face confrontation. According to Suarez, Borja’s behavior on the field lacked professionalism. “It all started with Borja’s unnecessary showboating in midfield. As professionals, we should show respect, especially in such important matches. When we won, we greeted every opponent respectfully. This was a blatant disrespect,” Suarez told the media post-match.

Journalist Cesar Augusto Londoño revealed the exact words that reportedly incited Suarez’s anger. Borja allegedly taunted, “Get out of here, we’ve beaten you twice. You’re a loser.” This provoked an irate response from the Inter Miami forward.

The outcome could have been different. In the tightly contested 2024 Copa America final, details like a sanctioned penalty could have been the key to deciding the champion. This nearly happened in the 72nd minute of the second half of the match between Colombia and Argentina.

Determined to win, Colombia had both full-backs pushing forward. Johan Mojica sent a cross that traversed the entire box and reached Santiago Arias, who played it back, and then the controversy struck. Jhon Cordoba reached the ball first, but Alexis Mac Allister clipped his right leg in Argentina’s penalty area.

Was there enough contact for a penalty? “I think from the first moment we were hungry to win. But, well, certain things happened that we can’t explain, but it’s over now. Everyone saw it was a clear penalty; the referee saw something else, and maybe that would have changed the game,” Cordoba told ESPN Colombia’s F90, and the best part was yet to come.

The referee’s words after not awarding Colombia a penalty

During his interview with F90, Cordoba was asked if the referee Raphael Claus said anything after the incident. The striker’s response was clear: “He just told me to get up, to get up. That’s it.” No doubt remained. The central referee of the 2024 Copa America final stood firm on a decision that could have changed Colombia’s history.

Jhon Cordoba’s message to Argentina about the Copa America Final

“They were waiting most of the time. What we felt was that they were looking for penalties. Then they found that play where they scored the goal, and that’s how finals are. They scored and won, but, well… I think we are on the right path and had a great Copa America. We deserved more, but it’s not the time to complain because the effort was immense,” Cordoba remarked about the Argentine National Team.

The incident occurred in the 72nd minute when Alexis Mac Allister collided with Jhon Cordoba in the penalty area. However, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus ruled the foul in favor of the Argentinian player. This decision became one of the match’s most disputed moments, prompting Cordoba to share his perspective.

In an interview with ESPN, the F.C. Krasnodar striker expressed his disbelief: “At the time, we were determined to win, but certain things happened that remain unexplained. We all saw the penalty, it was clear but the referee saw something else. That call could have changed everything.”

Jhon Cordoba on Argentina’s luck in Copa America 2024 Final

The 31-year-old striker also reflected on Colombia’s performance throughout the tournament, acknowledging their efforts despite the defeat: “I think we didn’t have the necessary luck. They had it, and we didn’t. We played a much better game than Argentina. They were lucky, they won the tournament, but we have no regrets. We did well, and this is not the time to judge anyone.”

Cordoba concluded by defending his team’s approach: “The team was good, and I felt we took enough risks. Finals where many goals are scored are rare, they are usually close games. I think Argentina was playing for penalties, and they found their goal at the last minute.”

Before the Copa America final, former player Adolfo Valencia made comments about Messi and Ángel Di María’s current form at 37 and 36 years old, respectively, which reached the Argentine locker room.

“He’s not the Messi we were used to seeing at Barcelona, dribbling past six or seven players. He’s lost speed and strength over the years. Now anyone can mark Messi, without taking away from everything he’s done, as I’ve always been a fan of his and respected him as a player and person,” said Valencia on TyC Sports.

Valencia’s words reached Argentina’s locker room, and Rodrigo De Paul revealed their impact before Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final. “A Colombian said Messi and Di María were no longer the same, that they were old. We see those things,” said De Paul on Olga Streaming’s ‘Soñé que Volaba’.

Despite being injured and leaving the field in the 66th minute, Lionel Messi didn’t hesitate to give a directive to protect Colombia’s national team immediately after the Copa America final. However, this order was not followed and became public.

Messi’s directive to protect Colombia after 2024 Copa America Final

When referee Raphael Claus blew the final whistle, confirming Argentina’s 16th Copa America title, Lionel Messi’s instructions to his team were clear. “When the final ended, Messi came and the first thing he said was, ‘No one mocks anyone, let’s celebrate and enjoy our victory,’” revealed Rodrigo De Paul on the program ‘Soñé que Volaba’.

De Paul was one of Argentina’s standout players during the Copa America, particularly in the final against Colombia. He demonstrated immense physical endurance and commitment throughout the 120 minutes of play.

The Copa America 2024 final was a nail-biter, and the post-match celebrations mirrored the intensity of the game. The first half alone saw eleven shots, with Colombia taking four on target, while Argentina managed just one on goal. Colombia’s Jhon Cordoba came agonizingly close, hitting the post. This close contest only heightened the excitement and relief in Argentina’s camp after securing their win.

In the second half, Argentina upped their game, registering two shots on target against Camilo Vargas. Referee Raphael Claus blew the whistle for the end of regular time, with the score still tied, signaling the need for two 15-minute extra time periods. As the prospect of a penalty shootout loomed ever closer, the tension on the field continued to rise, but…

With a crucial goal from Lautaro Martinez in the seventh minute of the second extra time, Argentina clinched a 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America 2024 final. As the celebrations kicked off, the players made a decision that could have serious repercussions, potentially leading to CONMEBOL sanctioning the Argentine Football Association. The joyous moment on the field might soon be overshadowed by the impending disciplinary actions.

“We waited until three in the morning for the Argentine national team and…,” stated journalist Valentina Peña of W Radio. Fellow reporter Alexandra Alliegro added, “and they deceived us completely. The players exited through another door. I imagine they will pay the fine because they are theoretically required to pass through the mixed zone, but I don’t know what will happen.”

CONMEBOL to sanction Argentina after winning Copa America 2024 final

Argentina’s national team is facing possible sanctions from CONMEBOL following their Copa America 2024 triumph due to a breach of tournament regulations. According to Article 112 of the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 regulations, “Finally, at the moment of the players departure from the locker room to leave the stadium, a mixed zone will be set up, through which all players in the match lineup must pass.“ The Argentine players did not comply with this rule after their championship win, leading to potential penalties for the Argentine Football Association.

Argentina faces sanction for skipping mixed zone after Copa America 2024 final

Argentina’s national team could be facing a significant sanction from CONMEBOL for not passing through the mixed zone after their Copa America 2024 final victory over Colombia. According to Article 18 of the CONMEBOL regulations, penalties for such infractions can range from a warning, reprimand, or caution to a fine, which can be as low as $100 or as high as $400,000.

In this case, the Argentine Football Association could face the maximum fine of $400,000 due to the players failure to comply with Article 112 by bypassing the mixed zone post-match.