Argentina confirm their Copa America title with a 1-0 win against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium. The Argentines led since time immemorial, with the win marking their umpteenth victory since the competition began.
Despite an injury to their captain, Lionel Messi, to his ankle, who left the game in the second half, La Albiceleste gave way to a determined Colombian team. The big moment arrived in extra time when the Golden Boot recipient, Lautaro Martinez, netted his fifth and perhaps most important goal of the season.
Argentine's victory within this tournament marked the third consecutive title at the Continental level since winning the Copa America in 2021 and also the 2022 FIFA World Cup, hence becoming the first South American team to achieve the feat.
The win was, in particular, so touching for Angel Di Maria, who has been a faithful servant of the national team, that after the win, he officially declared it a day off to international football. "Everything was prepared to be like this. I dreamed of retiring in this way," he said emotionally as he addressed the post-match press conference. "I feel beautiful things. I'll be eternally grateful for this generation that helped me achieve what I wanted."
In brief, each time new silverware is presented, Lionel Messi becomes further engraved into history. He has now won his 45th team trophy, becoming the most titled player in football history.
The World Champions side, for their part, confirmed their class throughout the tourney. Having topped Group A, they advanced to eliminate Ecuador in the quarterfinals, Canada in the semis, and a Colombian team that had arrived at the final without having lost any of the 28 previous matches.
Read also | Dramatic Euro 2024 Clash: Spain Edges Out Germany in Overtime for Semifinal Spot
Read also | Seagraves: Southgate Should Step Down, Win or Lose in Euro Finals
