Argentina bags 16th Copa America title after nipping Colombia

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Argentina has done it.

With emotions high and adrenaline rushing in a match that would etch their names in the history book of international football, the talented Argentinian national team once again embraced the bright lights in the Copa America grand finals after edging Colombia in extra time, 1-0, on July 15, 2024.

For the second straight Copa America edition, Argentina raised the championship trophy and just broke their deadlock with Uruguay to become the winningest nation in the prestigious football tournament with a total of 16 titles from 1921.

Lautaro Martinez once again flashed his brilliance for Argentina after sending in the game-winning conversion in the 112^th minute of the extra period.

Martinez, the leading scorer for Argentina in this year’s Copa America tournament, cruised past his defender after receiving a well-placed through ball pass from his teammate Giovani Lo Celso.

After picking up his balance inside the penalty box, Martinez quickly fired a right-footed shot that swished through Colombia’s left side of the goal post.

That conversion proved to be enough for Argentina as Colombia failed to counter back to level the championship match in the remaining minutes of the second extra time period.

Argentina faced an early scare after their superstar Lionel Messi exited the match in the 64^th minute due to a right ankle injury.

Sitting down on the bench with tears in his eyes, Argentina’s living legend didn’t return to the game and could only watch his teammates compete in the most important game of this year’s Copa America.

As a sign of respect after his goal, Martinez made sure to celebrate his score with Messi as he approached his mentor for a hug, consoling the star as he helped turn his tears into a smile.

During Argentina’s three-year international campaign span, they already won three major titles: The 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and this year’s Copa America.