Argentina, the world cup winners and defending champions, have won the Copa America again. The match went into extra time as both sides were goalless in time in the high vault clash against Colombia and substitute Lautaro Martinez came to the rescue in the 112th minute. Lo Celso’s beautiful pass opened the way for the goal.
With 25 minutes remaining in the stipulated time, Captain Lionel Messi was ruled out of the game with an injury and was in tears as Colombia took a step ahead. However, a goal in extra time shattered their dream of a second title. Meanwhile, Argentina holds the record for the most number of times they have won the Copa with their 16th title. So far, Messi and his team have been with Uruguay with 15 titles. Lautaro Martinez was awarded the Golden Boot with five goals, while Colombian captain James Rodriguez was adjudged the player of the tournament, and Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez was adjudged the best goalkeeper.
A game that started late in the rush of spectators
Tens of thousands of people stormed the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens to enjoy the excitement of the match. The match was delayed by one and a-half hours as the crowd could not be controlled.
Colombia took a step ahead in the first half of the match, but Argentina scored in the first minute of the match. Montiel’s cross from the right wing was shot towards the Alvarez post but was out. It was in the 6th minute that Colombia’s best forward was seen. However, Luis Díaz’s long shot was easily saved by Emiliano Martinez. The Colombians continued to storm into the Argentina box several times. In the meantime, Cordoba’s shot went close to the post and missed the target. Many moves by Colombian captain James Rodriguez posed a threat to Argentina.
In the 20th minute, Messi fired a shot at the post from Di Maria’s drive, but the Argentine was hit on the leg. Colombia seemed to have opened their account in the 33rd minute. However, Jefferson Lerma’s fiery long ranger Emiliano Martinez was knocked out by a full-length dive. Soon after, Messi was injured and fell after a series of Argentine players. Messi writhed in pain after being kicked in Santiago Areas’ attempt to block Messi’s move to cross into the box. It was a relief for the Argentine camp that he remained on the field in the wake of concerns.
Messi leaves the field in tears.
Messi, who remained on the field despite being injured in the kick of Arias, could not go much further. In the 64th minute, Argentina suffered a huge blow, and the captain had to leave the field. Messi, who couldn’t hold back his tears while in the dugout, became the pain of football fans as well. He was replaced by Nico Gonzalez. In the 75th minute, Nico scored for Argentina but was trapped in an offside trap. Di Maria’s cross came close to Argentina’s goal, but Romero could not clear it. In the final minutes, both sides attacked in search of a goal, but the match was postponed to extra time as the goal stayed away.
Lautaro’s dream goal in extra time
Argentina opened up the opportunity within five minutes of extra time, but Golsalez’s shot was saved by Colombian goalkeeper Vargas, who received de Paul’s pass. Shortly thereafter, a heavy shot from Colombia’s John Arrius hit the Argentine defender’s leg and rested in Martinez’s hand. Lautaro Martinez failed to hold on to Di Maria’s stunning cross early in the second half of extra time. Shortly afterwards, the Colombian’s attempt to score was blocked by Alexandro Martinez.
Finally, the moment Argentina had been waiting for arrived. Lautaro Martinez, who came on as a substitute only in the 97th minute, plays Argentina’s savior. The player, who celebrated the goal by breaking through the cordon of the ground, finally ended the celebration by hugging the injured Messi. Inter Milan won the Golden Boot with his fifth goal of the season as Argentina won their dream title.