Defending champions Argentina secured their record 16th Copa America title by defeating Colombia 1-0, thanks to an extra-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. Martinez, the tournament’s leading scorer, received a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso and lifted his shot over the advancing Colombian goalkeeper, Camilo Vargas, in the 112th minute, igniting wild celebrations amongst Argentina fans. Lautaro Martinez’s goal was his fifth of the tournament, cementing his position as the top scorer and earning him the Copa America 2024 Golden Boot. The match, held at Hard Rock Stadium, started 1 hour and 20 minutes late due to crowd trouble. After a goalless 90 minutes and a grueling extra-time effort, the Inter Milan star delivered once again, as he had done throughout the past month. Messi appeared to sustain a non-contact injury while running and falling in the 64th minute, covering his face with his hands as he sat on the bench. After scoring the decisive goal, Martnez ran to the bench to embrace his captain, celebrating Argentina’s record 16th Copa America title. With this victory, Argentina secured its third consecutive major title, following the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup, matching Spain’s achievement of winning the 2008 and 2012 European Championships alongside the 2010 World Cup. Additionally, Argentina ended Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten streak, which had lasted since a February 2022 loss to the Albiceleste.
