Argentina beats Colombia and is two-time champion of America

FCBN

Miami.-Lionel Messi’s Argentina won the 2024 Copa América USA on Sunday night following beating Colombia 1-0 in overtime at the Miami Dolphins Stadium.

It was a final full of emotions, from the chaos that arose at the entrances, the delay of the match, Karol G singing the Colombian anthem, the parade of celebrities in the stands and Shakira’s half-time show and the intense match. The solitary goal by Lautaro Martínez, the pride and downfall of the Colombia of Néstor Lorenzo and James Rodríguez, the farewell of Ángel Di María and everything that happened with Lionel Messi immortalized this great event.

The first to attack was the world champion, but the heart of the “Cafeteros” was stronger and in the 6th minute Jhon Córdoba hit the ball once morest the right post, following a great collective play with James Rodríguez, the great figure of the tournament. “La Albiceleste” suffered with the drive of James and Richard Ríos, giving the Colombians the superiority in the first half.

At 20′, Lionel Messi touched the ball on goal following a cross from Di María on the left wing, a shot that hit Julián Álvarez as he jumped and was easily saved by Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas. “La Pulga” was a cause for concern due to a knock, however, he came out for the second half without any discomfort.

Santiago Arias had given a warning, but goalkeeper Emiliano “Didu” Martinez was a guarantee. Di Maria and Cordoba were not doing well, especially at 57′ with a shot from “Fideo” that Vargas deflected with authority.

At 65′, Leo set off the alarm bells following throwing himself on the pitch because he did not feel fit to continue. Messi came on as a substitute for Nicolás González and was in tears.

At 75′ Argentina had a goal disallowed for offside by Nicolás Tagliafico, who tried in vain to get past Camilo. Tempers began to heat up due to desperation.

Nico González made his compatriots scream when he headed home a great team play in the 87th minute that Di María orchestrated but that Julián Álvarez mightn’t get to. González had another goal-scoring opportunity in the 90’+2′ minute.

Already in extra time, Nico knocked on the Colombian goal once more following a great play by Rodrigo de Paul at 94′, but the Atlas goalkeeper prevented the Argentine goal. Both Camilo and Dibu were factors in the extra time once morest the players who refreshed both teams.

The tension was broken by Lautaro Martínez, who scored the winning goal with a cross shot in the 112th minute. The captain and top scorer of Inter Milan started the play in midfield following Leandro Paredes recovered the ball, he was helped by Giovani Lo Celso who gave him a masterful first-time shot, he took control and beat Vargas with authority. Lionel Scaloni’s changes did indeed help.

At 116, there was an emotional moment when Di María was given a standing ovation by the fans, as this was his farewell to the Argentine national team. He left with his head held high.

This is how Néstor Lorenzo’s Colombia ended their unbeaten streak of 28 without losing. Argentina maintains its hegemony as world champion, two-time Copa América champion and biggest winner in South America in the confederation’s competition.Telemundo.