Copa America Finals, Argentina vs Colombia: Lautaro's Late Strike Bags Title Win For Messi's La Albiceleste

Copa America Finals: In the last minutes decider, Argentina outclassed Colombia in Copa America 2024 finals on Monday at Florida's Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The winner of last edition, Argentina, succeeded in defending the title by 1-0 against Colombia, which impressed everyone with their play throughout the tournament but failed at the last hurdle.

Argentina's Lautaro Martinez emerged hero as he scored the only goal of the match, in the second half of the extra time. Both teams displayed excellent skills, however, no goal was scored in the allotted 90 minutes, which pushed the game to extra time.

Lautaro hit the net in the 112th minute of the match, which later turned out to be the title decider as Messi's team did not let the opposition mark a goal.

The happiness on Argentina's players' faces and the style of celebrations made it clear in the 112th minute that the Blue and Whites will take the trophy home.

Star of the night, Martinez also ran towards the dugouts to hug captain Lionel Messi, who was rested following an injury during the finals.

Messi twisted his ankle and was not able to walk properly, which resulted in his exclusion in the 66th minute of the game. Messi was replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez.

When it looked like the game will be decided by penalty shootouts, Giovani Lo Celso's perfect pass found Martinez right outside the box and the striker made no mistake in sending the ball in the goal post, without even letting goalkeeper Camilo Vargas move.

This was Martinez's 29th international goal and 5th of the tournament.

Copa America 2024 Awards:

Best player of Copa America 2024: James Rodriguez (Six assists and one goal)

Golden Boot (top scorer) of Copa America 2024: Lautaro Martinez (Five goals)

Best goalkeeper of Copa America 2024: Emiliano Martinez (Five clean sheets)

Fair play Award of Copa America 2024: Colombia