Football A thrilling final crowns the Scaloneta: Argentina knocks Colombia off their feet and becomes the most successful Copa America team

And the 2024 Copa America is over . That of the countless criticisms of Conmebol and that of the poor pitches. The one of the immense doubts about the work of the referees and the VAR. The same that could be seen little or nothing on open television, hitting the fans directly. The Copa América ended, which increasingly fueled the perception of predilection towards one (the world champion); which began with an inexplicable religious sermon in the middle of the opening ceremony and ended with serious incidents outside the stadium which forced the start of the final between Argentina and Colombia to be delayed.

Despite this salad of numerous and heavy ingredients, a champion was crowned and it is Argentina. In the imposing Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, The transandean team won the 48th edition of the continental tournament, beating the coffee growers in extra time 1-0. The biggest prize went to the Albiceleste, the big favorite.

It was the end of one of the most controversial Copa Americas of this century, with the decisive match It started with a delay of one hour and 22 minutes. He to start up It was scheduled for 8:00 p.m., but the scandal that occurred outside the venue, mainly due to fans trying to enter without tickets, forced a tense and long wait, until the conditions are finally right to develop the clash between the world champions and the most in-form team in South America.

Beyond the competition for a new title, For Argentina it was special because of the farewell of Ángel Di María. El Fideo (key in the recent finals won) retires from the national team and wanted to do it with a cup in his arms. He started loaded on the right in the line of midfielders organized by Lionel Scaloni, although he later moved to the left, given the future of the game. While Colombia maintained the base that earned them excellent results in the United States, with the exception the forced loss of right-back Daniel Muñoz. Santiago Arias replaced him.

Overall, it was a tough, tense, gritted-teeth duel. Any mistake could prove costly, against a clash of equal strengths. The Colombian start was interesting, with possession and depth. The strong Jhon Córdoba had a clear option in the 6th minute, but his shot hit the post. James Rodriguez’s freedom as a liaison officer was vital to the Caribbean people. Meanwhile, Luis Díaz charged on the left, in the duel with Montiel. Whether due to the clash or the intensity, it was the hardest obstacle for the transandines throughout the Cup. In a first half in which Colombia had more possession of the ball than Argentina (52%), “Dibu” Martínez had more work than Camilo Vargas, his colleague on the other side of the field.

The owner of the attention and spotlight was Lionel Messi. More in Miami, at home. And it didn’t have a good ending. Strictly speaking, there wasn’t a good Cup, beyond the final result. He was the omnipresent figure of the 2024 version, even if his presence in the final was eventful. In the first half, he suffered severe pain in his right ankle following an off-field challenge by Santiago Arias. He was expected to come off at half-time, but he returned to the game. After the hour mark, the Inter Miami star stumbled on the pitch, which eventually led to him being taken off. He came out visibly affected. Crying inconsolably, in memory of the 2016 Centennial (also in the United States) during the final lost against Chile.

La Pulga’s injury disrupted a second half with less rhythm and less clarity in the teams. The panorama showed a nailed extension. Colombia resorted too much to the pass of the ball to James to distribute it and repeated the transfer to the left for the pass of Mojica. A tool that Lorenzo’s team fueled and that he could not take advantage of was the set ball. The shot of James and some of his teammates imposed itself from above, without directing it effectively towards the goal. The yellow jerseys were starting to get tired and Argentina pushed in the epilogue. The zero didn’t move and they went into extra time.

With more space, the duel was revitalized. The changes brought freshness (Juanfer Quintero replaced James). Anything can happen. Although the proximity of the penalty shootout gave the Argentines an advantage, thanks to the experience of these battles and the “Dibu” Martínez factor between the sticks. Getting to the round was not the best deal for Lorenzo and company.

In such a nervous and tight match, the smallest detail can tip the balance. And efficiency is key. Lautaro Martínez, the Argentine striker who replaced Álvarez, was the hero by converting the ball in the 112th minute. In front of the goalkeeper, after a pass from Lo Celso, he takes a shot and sends the fans into a frenzy. That’s how everything was closed. Lower the blinds and let time pass.

Argentina therefore retains the continental crown. A new consecration for the generation led by Lionel Scaloni. By obtaining the sixteenth star, he presents himself as the greatest winner in the history of the Copa América, surpassing Uruguay’s 15 (the podium is closed by Brazil, with nine). In the process, they put an end to the unbeaten Colombian, who remained on 28 matches. Who had been the last to beat them? Yes, Argentina, who continues to dominate this part of the world.

Argentina 1 : E. Martinez; G. Montiel (72′, N. Molina), C. Romero, Lisandro Martinez, N. Tagliafico; A. Di Maria (116′, N. Otamendi), R. De Paul, E. Fernández (96′, G. Lo Celso), A. Mac Allister (96′, L. Paredes); L. Messi (66′, N. González) and J. Álvarez (96′, Lautaro Martínez). DT: L. Scaloni.

Colombia 0 : C. Vargas; S. Arias, D. Sánchez, C. Cuesta, J. Mojica; R. Rios (88′, K. Castaño), J. Lerma (106′, M. Uribe), J. Arias (106′, J. Carrascal); J. Rodriguez (91′, JF Quintero); L. Diaz (106′, M. Borja) and J. Córdoba (89′, RS Borré). DT: N. Lorenzo.

Goals : 1-0, 112′, Lautaro Martínez, scores after an assist from Lo Celso.

Arbitrator : R. Claus (BRA). Mac Allister (A) was cautioned; Cordoba, Borja (C).

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami. Around 65,000 people took part.