Martinez's extra-time goal in injured Messi's absence leads Argentina to record-breaking 16th Copa America title

Lautaro Martinez's goal in extra-time led Argentina to their record-extending 16th Copa America title with a 1-0 win over Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on July 14. Without the services of an injured Lionel Messi, the game seemed to be heading into penalty shootout but Martinez came in as substitute in the 97th minute replacing Julian Alvarez and broke the deadlock 15 minutes later.
 

Argentina break Copa America record

This is Argentina's third consecutive major title triumph. They won the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the previous edition of Copa America with a 1-0 win over hosts Brazil.
 

Messi-led Argentina broke Uruguay’s record for most Copa America titles. Uruguay have reached the final 21 times and bagged the title 15 times. On the other hand, this was Argentina's 30th Copa America final appearance.

Late kick-off

Earlier, the kick-off was delayed by more than an hour due to security breach outside the stadium leaving many injured. People jumped over railings and tried to climb through vents to get into the stadium. 
 

Messi injures ankle

Earlier, Messi got injured in the first half but continued to play. In the 65th minute, he fell on the ground and asked for medical attention. He was in tears as he was subbed off. His sat in the dugout with his ankle swollen with ice pack on it. Nicolas Gonzalez replaced him on the pitch. 

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Martinez’s strike

After no goals were scored in the regulation time, having fresh legs in the middle worked in Argentina’s favour. Giovani Lo Celso's flick found Martinez who had just the goalkeeper to beat. The Inter Milan forward was exceptional in his finish as David Ospina failed to fend it off.

Martinez won the Copa America 2024 Golden Boot as he extended his tally to five goals with a winner in the final. 

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Late drama in final

The goal was followed by a brawl between the two sides as Miguel Borja elbowed Rodrigo De Paul. It ended with Borja getting a yellow card.
 

Angel Di Maria left the field in the 117th minute in his farewell game. In the dying stages of the game, Colombia wanted penalty and VAR was used. But the penalty was not given and Argentina won the final 1-0.
 

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