WATCH: Lautaro Martinez CLUTCHES for Lionel Messi as Argentina beat Colombia to win the Copa America

Winning the game against Colombia with a 1-0 result, Argentina effectively defended their championship in the 2024 Copa America finals. In the 112th minute, Lautaro Martínez scored the sole goal of the game, therefore guaranteeing Argentina's 16th Copa America title. Argentina outmanaged Colombia's great performance despite a difficult game. Argentina has not only secured the much-desired Copa America title but also defended their championship with this triumph as the World Champions, therefore confirming their legacy and supremacy in  Global and South American football. The game happened in the Hard Rock Stadium, therefore commemorating a significant event in Argentinean football.

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Lautaro Martinez scored one of the most important goals of his career and celebrated with injured Lionel Messi to lift the Copa America 2024

Owing to an incredible strike from Lautaro Martinez, Argentina outscheduled Colombia 1-0 in an exciting Copa América game Coming on as a super sub, Martinez unleashed an amazing strike in the 112th minute that landed the back of the net and set the Argentine supporters into a frenzy.

Martinez's aim was not only evidence of his ability but also of his under pressure calm. Following his score, he ran to celebrate with an emotional Lionel Messi, who had been replaced earlier for an ankle injury. Visibly moved, Messi was in tears as he embraced his teammate.

The actual game was a fiercely contested struggle. Early on, Argentina controlled possession; Messi planned play until his sad 66th minute exit. He was substituted for Nicolás González, therefore his injury dealt a major setback to the team. Argentina kept on ahead even without Messi.

Resilient by nature, Colombia held strong and stopped multiple Argentine attacks with their defence. At halftime the game stayed goalless, and both sides made calculated substitutions to get a lead. In the 97th minute Argentina brought fresh legs to support their attack: Martinez, Giovani Lo Celso, and Leandro Paredes.

As extra time progressed, the intensity increased. Colombia's Miguel Borja and Argentina's Giovani Lo Celso both received yellow cards, reflecting the high stakes and physical nature of the game. It wasn't until the 112th minute that Martinez broke the deadlock, with Lo Celso providing the crucial assist.

The final minutes were tense, with Argentina defending their slim lead. Nicolás Otamendi came on for Ángel Di María to strengthen the defense, and despite Colombia's relentless efforts, they couldn't find an equalizer. Argentina's victory was sealed, and the final whistle confirmed their successful title defense.

This victory marked Argentina's second consecutive Copa América title, cementing their status as one of the dominant forces in South American football. The team celebrated passionately, with Martinez and Messi's emotional moment symbolizing the triumph of unity and perseverance.

As time passed, intensity rose. Miguel Borja of Colombia and Giovani Lo Celso of Argentina were yellow carded, highlighting the game's high stakes and physicality. Martinez broke the tie in the 112th minute with Lo Celso's assist.

The Lionel Messi-led team clung to their lead in the dying minutes. Nicolás Otamendi replaced Ángel Di María to reinforce the defence as Di Maria departed for the last time in the national shirt as a player, but Colombia ultimately unable to score an equaliser despite their efforts. Argentina's title defence was complete with the final whistle. Argentina's second straight Copa América championship solidified their dominance in South American football. The team celebrated fiercely, with Martinez and Messi's emotional moment symbolising unity and perseverance for the World Champions.