Argentina Edges Out Columbia in Extra Time to Win 2024 Copa América

Lionel Messi lifts up the trophy as he celebrates winning the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament final football match between Argentina and Colombia in July 2024
Lionel Messi lifts up the trophy as he celebrates winning the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament final football match between Argentina and Colombia in July 2024. Photo by Vanessa Carvalho/Shutterstock (14587236by)

Even after losing their biggest star Lionel Messi down the stretch, Argentina still managed to beat Columbia in the 2024 Copa América finals and win its second consecutive and record 16th overall Copa América trophy.

Columbia, riding a 28-game unbeaten streak and emotional win against Uruguay in the semis, was the better team in the first half. Argentina’s goalie, Emiliano Martinez, had his hands full but managed to save all four shots that came his way.

Argentina got more aggressive in the second half but suffered a blow in the 64th minute when Messi had to exit the game due to a non-contact injury. In the end, no team got on top in the regular 90 minutes and the game went to extra time.

“He wants to continue playing because he doesn’t want to abandon his teammates. He doesn’t want to leave them on the pitch even when he’s in that condition … He doesn’t feel well when he has to leave, and he was born to be on the pitch,” said Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni after the game.

It appeared that the game would go to penalties before Inter’s striker Lautaro Martinez managed to find the net in 112th minute and give Argentina the lead. Martinez, who entered the game just five minutes prior, received a well-timed pass from Giovani Lo Celso at the top of the penalty box and sent the ball through the outstretched of Columbia’s goalie Camilo Vargas.

Colombia switched to all-out-attack mode after, but Argentina managed to hold onto its lead and claim its third international trophy after previously winning the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup. 

It was a disappointing end to an impressive tournament performance for Colombia, which sought to win its second Copa América, having previously lifted the trophy in 2001. Colombia’s James Rodriguez was named the best player at 2024 Copa América after contributing with a goal and six assists.