Just hours after Spain became the first-ever team to win four European Championships, Argentina joined them in celebration and history, claiming a record 16th Copa America and becoming the most successful team in South America. The win over Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday, July 14, marked Argentina’s fourth-consecutive win in a final. They won the Copa America in 2021, the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Finalissima in 2023, and now the 2024 Copa America.
Desperation To Elation For Lionel Messi As Lautaro Martinez Secures Win For Argentina In Extra Time
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni fielded his strongest XI for the final against Colombia, who had not lost in their previous 28 matches (22 wins) across competitions. Both teams began cautiously, feeling each other out in the first few minutes of the first half. In the 7th minute, Colombia center-forward Jhon Cordoba hit the post with his cross-turned-shot. It would have been embarrassing had the woodwork not come to his rescue.
In the 20th minute, Lionel Messi fired a warning shot at Colombia, but goalkeeper Camilo Vargas had it covered. Around a quarter of an hour later, the Inter Miami star was on the receiving end of a cracking tackle from Santiago Arias. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner stayed down clutching his ankle, prompting the physios to rush to the pitch to treat him. After a few minutes of pitch-side treatment, he returned to action, but the 37-year-old did not look comfortable. In the 64th minute, Messi tried to take the ball away from Colombian attacker Luis Diaz, but his swollen ankle would not cooperate. Reluctantly and disappointingly, the Argentine icon came off the field in the 66th minute. Later, he broke down on the bench, as he was determined to help his team in the final Copa America tournament of his career.
Lautaro went to celebrate with Leo Messi after one of the biggest goals of his life 🤗 pic.twitter.com/2taSOZ6NOq
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July…
Source link : https://sportslens.com/news/copa-america-argentina-colombia-lautaro-martinez-lionel-messi/
Author : Sushan Chakraborty
Publish date : 2024-07-15 07:51:47
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.