Lautaro Martinez goal leads Argentina to Copa America Victory against Colombia

Copa America, 

Monday, 15 July, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Lautaro Martinez scored just eight minutes from a potential Penalty shootout to help Argentina retained their Copa América crown after beating Colombia 1-0 after extra time in Miami on Monday. 

The Argentine's ended Colombia's 28-game unbeaten run in a final that saw fans without tickets attempt to storm into the pitch causing a frenzy and delayed match kickoff. 

Lionel Messi, in his 44th career final, has yet another trophy to add to his cabinet. The Inter Miami player has lifted his second consecutive Copa América in Miami, his home since 2023.

Surprising enough, Messi was trophyless from Argentina just three tears ago only to come win the FIFA World cup, Finnalisima and Two Copa América titles in less than three years. 

Argentina overcame a Colombia side who claimed a narrow win over Uruguay in a semi-final match that had everything, including a brawl in the stands between Uruguayan players and Colombian fans.

Argentina arrive in Miami after defeating Canada in the semi-finals of the competition with relative ease. In the quarter-finals, Lionel Scaloni's side sweated it out to beat Ecuador on penalties.

Lautaro Martinez won the tournament's golden boot with five goals finishing a dream Copa América. The Inter man, who just won Serie A, was one of Lionel Scaloni's offensive weapons along with Julian Alvarez - a two-time champion of the Premier League with Manchester City.

Colombia's defeat did not overshadow the good performance of Nestor Lorenzo's side in the competition. The Colombian team played some excellent matches.

James Rodriguez, who has had his fitness questions after a poor season with Brazilian club Sao Paulo, was superb and broke the record for assists with a stunning 8.

Argentina will now pick up a final against Euro champions, Spain at the Finnalisima next year.