Argentinians Crowned Champions of Copa America Leaving Messi and Di Maria in Tears

The “super substitute” striker Lautaro Martinez led Argentina to retain the title and hold the record for the number of titles in the Copa America by scoring the winning goal over Colombia 1-0 after overtime in the final match on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Martinez scored the decisive goal following a crucial pass from fellow substitute Giovani Lo Celso in the 112th minute.

Inter Milan’s Martinez and Tottenham’s Lo Celso were among three substitutions made by coach Lionel Scaloni all at once in the 96th minute, which became pivotal. Scaloni also introduced Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes, replacing Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, respectively.

Paredes was instrumental in the goal, as he intercepted the ball in the middle of the field and passed it to Lo Celso, who then assisted Martinez for his fifth goal, earning him the top scorer title for the tournament.

This victory marks Argentina’s sixteenth title in 30 Copa America final matches (with 14 runner-up finishes), breaking their tie with Uruguay, which has 15 titles. Uruguay finished third in this edition by defeating Canada 4-3 on penalties (regular time 2-2) on Saturday.

“Albiceleste” made history by becoming the first South American team to win three major tournaments in a row, following their 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup victories.

Argentina matched Spain’s record, who won the World Cup in 2010 between their two European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012.

Argentina ended Colombia’s impressive 28-match unbeaten streak, denying them their second title after their first in 2001, and their third final appearance after losing the 1975 edition.

Colombia’s captain, James Rodriguez, was named the tournament’s best player as a consolation.

Argentina’s remarkable journey in this edition saw them win five out of six matches without conceding a goal, leading to their goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, being named the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Argentina triumphed despite their star and captain, Lionel Messi, leaving the field in tears due to an injury in the 64th minute.

Messi fell after losing his balance while trying to recover the ball in the middle of the field. Grabbing his right thigh, he requested medical assistance but had to be replaced by Italian winger Nicolas Gonzalez.

Messi left the field limping and was cheered by the crowd, but he couldn’t hold back his tears once on the bench, applying ice to his right ankle.

Di Maria’s Farewell

Winger Angel Di Maria ended his international career in the best possible way, having announced his retirement after the tournament.

Di Maria played as a starter until the 117th minute, when he left the field in tears, replaced by veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, whose tournament may also be his last with “Albiceleste.”

Di Maria and Otamendi lifted the cup with Messi during the celebration after receiving their gold medals. The former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain player commented: “I dreamed of reaching the final and winning it, and then stopping like this.”