Copa24 : Lautaro powers Argentina to hard earned win over Columbia & retaining Copa title

 

Argentina withstood several moments of uncertainty in the final vs Columbia before finally retaining the Copa America title they had won in 2021

Tears filled the eyes of Argentina fans in the stadium when Lionel Messi left the field due to an injury. The player they were counting on to win the Copa America had to exit the game in the 2nd half . Messi, unable to contain his emotions, sat on the bench and cried, reminiscent of his reaction after the penalty shootout loss to Chile in the 2016 final. However, this time, Argentina triumphed without him. Lautaro Martinez became the hero for Argentina, scoring consistently throughout the tournament, and once again delivering when it mattered most.

The game faced delays before it even started. Many spectators without tickets forced their way into the stadium, overwhelming security and leading to the gates being closed. This disruption caused a delay of 1 hour and 20 minutes from the scheduled start time. Once the match began, Argentina immediately went on the offensive. Angel Di Maria's cross found Julian Alvarez inside the box, but he missed the goal. Shortly after, Nicolas Tagliafico also failed to score from within the Colombian box.

Colombia then counterattacked, utilizing their speed and strength. James Rodríguez and Luis Diaz outpaced the Argentine defenders, creating several opportunities. In the 6th minute, Cordoba's shot from outside the box narrowly missed. Colombia maintained pressure, pressing for every ball, while Argentina struggled to slow the game down. Messi and Di Maria were frequently surrounded by Colombian players, disrupting Argentina's rhythm.

The first 20 minutes passed without much impact from Messi. After the 20-minute mark, Argentina launched their first significant attack, with Messi's shot being blocked by a combined effort from a defender and the goalkeeper. Colombia continued to create chances, but Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez proved difficult to beat. Messi, appearing not fully fit, sustained an injury in the 36th minute, limping slightly upon his return to the field and trying to play cautiously. Frequent fouls by Colombian players further interrupted the game's flow. The first half ended goalless, with both teams heading to the break without scoring.

In the second half, Colombia persisted with their pressing strategy, while Argentina adjusted to play more aggressively. However, Argentina lagged behind in physicality compared to the Colombian players. In the 53rd minute, Davidson Sanchez had a chance to score from a corner but missed. Argentina, under pressure, tried to regain control, with Di Maria leading attacks from the left flank. His efforts, including a skillful shot in the 58th minute, were thwarted by the Colombian goalkeeper.

Colombian fouls disrupted Argentina's attacks, leading to frustration on the sidelines, with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni visibly agitated. After 64 minutes, Argentina suffered a significant setback as Messi, unable to recover fully from his earlier injury, pulled a hamstring and fell to the ground. He could no longer continue and left the field in tears, clearly devastated by the prospect of missing the final. Argentina fans shared in his sorrow.

As the game progressed, excitement intensified. Colombia's disruptive play broke Argentina's rhythm. Nico Gonzalez, who replaced Messi, scored in the 75th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Another chance in the 87th minute also went unconverted, and the game seemed destined for a tiebreaker.

In the 112th minute, substitute Lautaro Martinez delivered a moment of brilliance. Receiving a pass from Lo Celso, he dribbled past the goalkeeper and scored. He then ran straight to Messi on the sidelines, embracing him. It was a moment of redemption and relief for Messi.

Colombia continued to battle fiercely for the remaining minutes, using physical strength to try and score, but Argentina held firm. With Lautaro's crucial goal, Argentina emerged victorious, winning the Copa America again.