Argentina breaks record with Uruguay for most titles in Copa America's history
Argentina wins 16th Copa America title
Lautaro Martinez scores the only goal in extra-time
Messi injured and unable to play, Di Maria signs off with a title
A Lionel Messi-less Argentina beat Colombia to win a record-breaking 16th Copa America title after a dramatic final in Miami. Argentina captain Messi was forced off with injury in the second half of the game at Hard Rock Stadium with a foot issue that left him in tears on the substitutes’ bench. But in his absence, Lautaro Martinez — the Golden Boot-winner after a fifth goal of the tournament — scored the only goal of the game in extra-time to decide it. The win sees Argentina break a tie with Uruguay for all-time most in the competition’s long history. Say hello to your 16-time CONMEBOL Copa America🏆 champion 🏯. Angel Di Maria signed off with a title with a final appearance for his country, his last for Argentina. His message was clear: I have so many beautiful feelings. I will be eternally grateful to this generation, which helped me achieve what I had always wanted.
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul added: “We understand that football has no memory. You have to keep going.” The game was marred ahead of the start with chaotic and dangerous scenes outside the stadium when thousands of supporters were prevented from entering the stadium. The match was scheduled to kick off at 8pm ET but as a result of the pre-game incidents didn’t start until 9.22pm ET, some 82 minutes later than planned. GO DEEPER Copas America finals have been marred by chaos before, including in 1946 and 1957. Copa America final kick-off delayed after fans struggle to enter stadium.
Argentina topped Group A after wins over Canada, Chile and Peru before advancing past Ecuador in the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout. They then beat Canada for a second time in the semifinal to reach a fourth final in five attempts. Colombia opened with wins over Paraguay and Costa Rica in Group D before a draw with rivals Brazil ensured they progressed as group winners. Nestor Lorenzo’s side beat Panama 5-0 — the biggest margin of victory for the 2024 tournament — in the quarterfinal before defeating Uruguay in the last four to reach a third final in their history and set a record of 28 matches unbeaten. That streak ended in Miami, however, with Argentina taking the title and defending the crown they won four years ago in Brazil.
(Juan Mabromata/AFP via Getty Images)
Get all-access to exclusive stories.
Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.
Argentina won a record-breaking 16th Copa America title after beating Colombia in the final.
Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the game in extra-time, securing the victory for Argentina.
Argentina topped their group after wins over Canada, Chile, and Peru, advancing past Ecuador in the quarterfinals via a penalty shootout. Colombia progressed as Group D winners with wins over Paraguay and Costa Rica before drawing with Brazil. They then beat Panama 5-0 and Uruguay to reach the final.
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul expressed pride in the team and being Argentine after the match.
Accuracy
Messi was forced off with an injury in the second half, but Argentina still managed to win without him.
Argentina topped their group after wins over Canada, Chile, and Peru.
Colombia progressed as Group D winners with wins over Paraguay and Costa Rica before drawing with Brazil.
