Copa America 2024: Lautaro Martinez Helps Argentina Clinch Record 16th Title
New Delhi: Defending champions Argentina clinched their record 16th Copa America title by defeating Colombia 1-0, courtesy of an extra-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. Martinez, the tournament’s leading scorer, received a precise through ball from giovani lo celso and deftly lifted his shot over the advancing Colombian goalkeeper, Camilo Vargas, in the 112th minute, sparking wild celebrations among Argentina fans. Lautaro Martinez’s goal, his fifth of the tournament, cemented his position as the top scorer and earned him the copa america 2024 golden boot.
After a goalless 90 minutes and a grueling extra-time effort, Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez delivered once again, just as he had throughout the past month. In the 64th minute, Messi appeared to sustain a non-contact injury while running and fell, covering his face with his hands as he sat on the bench. After scoring the decisive goal, Martinez ran to the bench to embrace his captain, celebrating Argentina’s record 16th copa america title. The match at Hard Rock stadium started 1 hour and 20 minutes late due to crowd trouble. With this victory, Argentina secured its third consecutive major title, following the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 world cup, matching Spain’s achievement of winning the 2008 and 2012 European Championships alongside the 2010 world cup. Additionally, Argentina ended Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten streak, which had lasted since a february 2022 loss to the albiceleste.
LA DECIMOSEXTA. pic.twitter.com/5ChlcjxpJw
— CONMEBOL Copa América (@CopaAmerica) July 15, 2024
As the golden boot winner with six goals, Martinez’s late strike stands as his most crucial. Despite tired legs and heightened emotions, he surged through the defense and calmly picked his spot. such decisive moments had eluded Argentina in previous years, but not this time. Meanwhile, Messi could only watch. an injury forced him off early, leaving his ankle swollen. Initially in tears of sadness as he exited the pitch in the second half, Messi’s emotions turned to joy when Martinez found the net. On this night, Messi’s teammates rose to the occasion. Argentina are champions once more, and their legacy continues. The Messi era may be nearing its end, but Argentina’s dominance persists.