by Argentina secured its 16th Copa America title by defeating Colombia 1-0 in extra-time, thanks to a goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez.
The game, delayed by over an hour due to thousands of fans without tickets, was a thrilling 90-minute match. However, it opened up in the extra period when Argentina’s leading scorer, Martínez, scored a goal over Colombia’s goalkeeper, Camilo Vargas, causing celebrations among Argentina fans.
After winning the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America, Argentina won their most recent championship and earned their seventh Ballon d’Or. It was the ideal farewell for Lionel Messi at his last international competition. Jhon Cordoba of Colombia struck the post in the seventh minute as the team got high up the pitch.
Messi collided with Santiago Arias in the 36th minute, resulting in an ankle injury. After receiving treatment, he was hampered for the rest of the game. Colombia continued to attack in the second half, with Arias and Sanchez nearly scoring.
Argentina faced a tough match against Colombia but suffered a setback when Messi was injured in the 66th minute. Despite a goal being disallowed for offside, Colombia held on to win the match in extra time.
Argentina won in extra time, ending Colombia’s record 28-match unbeaten streak, with a breakthrough from Martinez. The reigning champs persisted in pressing, putting Vargas to the test with a Nico Gonzalez shot.
Angel Di Maria expressed his desire to end his international career with a trophy as Argentina secured a record 16th Copa America title with Lautaro Martinez’s fifth goal, surpassing Uruguay as the competition’s most successful squad.
Argentina’s Di Maria, who made 145 appearances, was awarded player of the match in his final match for La Albiceleste. He played in all but one of Argentina’s fixtures, including a 2-0 win over Peru.
Di Maria announced his retirement from international football after the Copa America win, ending a 16-year career. Nicholas Otamendi also ended his international career, and Lionel Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain.
Di Maria, an Argentine who scored in three major tournament victories for La Albiceleste, expressed gratitude for his nation’s recent success, stating that his dream of winning the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup finals was fulfilled.
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