Copa America Final: Argentina Become 16-Time Champs as Martinez Scores to Get a 1-0 Lead vs Colombia

It is a joyous moment for Argentina fans as the Lionel Messi-led side have secured a record 16th title in Copa America after Lautaro Martinez helps La Albiceleste take the lead. After a nail-biting finish under regulation time, the game went to ET, which is where Martinez found the target after a stellar flick by De Paul. Tensions were visible, but Argentina will lift the title this year. 

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

Argentina wins record-setting 16th Copa America Championship, defeats Columbia 1-0 after Lautaro Martinez's strike

Argentina earned its third consecutive major title, following the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup, and equaled Spain, which won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships surrounding the 2010 World Cup. The match began one hour and twenty-two minutes late due to crowd disturbances at Hard Rock Stadium. 

Additionally, Argentina ended Colombia's 28-game winning streak that began with a defeat to the Albiceleste in February 2022. In the 97th minute, Martínez made his debut and scored thanks to a flawless through pass from Giovani Lo Celso. With his fifth goal of the tournament and 29th goal for his country, Martínez beat goalkeeper Camilo Vargas with a right-footed strike from just inside the penalty area. Nicolás Tagliafico thought he had scored in the 75th minute, but was called offside. Vargas stopped Nicolás González, who had replaced Messi, in the 95th minute.

Messi, who is 37 years old, made his 39th and perhaps final Copa America participation. He scored one goal during the competition. After being stepped on in the first half, he went down, but he finished the match. In the 64th minute, he appeared to have suffered a non-contact injury while running and falling. He covered his face with his hands, sat on the bench, and wept. As he went out, he pounded his right boot in rage, and it looked like his ankle swelled.

Also Read: Copa America Final: Lionel Messi Left in Tears After Being Subbed off as He Limps off the Pitch

Colombia was more aggressive in the first half, forcing goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to make four saves. However, Argentina increased their threat in the second half.

Furthermore, it was a fitting farewell for Angel Di Maria as he concludes his International career as a Copa America Champion.