Argentina win record 16th Copa America

Lautaro Martinez powered an Argentina side sans captain Lionel Messi to the Copa America 2024 title with his extra-time winner over Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday (July 15).

Albiceleste became the second team after Spain to win three consecutive major tournament titles. Argentina won the 2021 Copa America, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America titles.

It was Lautaro's fifth goal of the season. He will get the Golden Boot as the highest goal scorer.

Lionel Messi had to be substituted off with a leg injury in the second half, which ended 0-0. Both teams exchanged blows in an often chaotic half an hour of extra-time, as was also the case for much of regular time.

Inter Milan's Martinez then got the ball from Giovanni Lo Celso after Leandro Paredes won it in midfield. Martinez put the shot right over the Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas and scored what turned out to be the winning goal.

The final match of this tournament between Argentina and Colombia went to extra time. No one saw a goal in the allotted 90 minutes. Colombia had many chances though. Argentina also had a chance. But score remained zero. Consequently, the match went to extra time.

It is noted that only the final match of the Copa America has extra time. There was no extra time in the knockout rounds.