Honestly, if you missed the final on July 14, 2024, you missed a literal movie. It wasn't just about the football; it was about the chaos, the tears, and a 112th-minute strike that basically cemented a dynasty.
Argentina won the Copa America 2024.
They beat Colombia 1-0 in a match that felt like it lasted three days instead of two hours. It wasn't Lionel Messi who saved the day this time—at least not with his feet. While the world watched the greatest player of all time sob on the bench with an ankle the size of a grapefruit, Lautaro Martínez stepped up to finish the job.
The Night Everything Went Sideways at Hard Rock Stadium
Before we even talk about the goal, we have to talk about the mess. The kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami was delayed by over 80 minutes. Why? Total security collapse. Fans were reportedly trying to get in through the ventilation ducts, and the gates were locked down, leaving thousands of ticket holders stuck in the Florida heat. It was a nightmare.
When the game finally started, it was physical. Rough. Colombia came in with a 28-game unbeaten streak and played like they had zero fear of the world champions.
Then came the 64th minute. Messi went down.
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It wasn't a hard tackle or a flashy collision. His ankle just gave out. Seeing him walk off the pitch, throw his boot in frustration, and then just lose it on the bench... that was a side of Messi we rarely see. For a second, it felt like Argentina's luck had finally run out.
Who Won Copa America 2024: The Lautaro Martinez Moment
With Messi out, the game dragged into extra time. In the 112th minute, just as everyone was bracing for the stress of a penalty shootout, the magic happened.
Leandro Paredes won a gritty tackle in midfield. He fed the ball to Giovani Lo Celso, who played a first-touch, perfectly weighted through ball. Lautaro Martínez—the guy who spent most of the 2022 World Cup struggling for form—raced onto it.
He didn't overthink it. One touch, then a blast past Colombian keeper Camilo Vargas.
Why This Win Was Actually Historic
This wasn't just another trophy for the cabinet. By winning in 2024, Argentina pulled off the "Triple Crown" of international soccer:
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- Copa America 2021
- World Cup 2022
- Copa America 2024
Only Spain (2008–2012) had ever pulled off that kind of back-to-back-to-back dominance. Argentina also now holds the record for the most Copa America titles in history with 16, officially moving past Uruguay.
The Stars Who Stole the Show (Besides Messi)
While Messi gets the headlines, the 2024 tournament was defined by a few other names you should definitely remember.
James Rodríguez: The Redemption Arc
James was easily the player of the tournament. He finished with six assists, breaking Messi’s single-tournament record. Even though Colombia lost the final, James looked like the 2014 version of himself—spraying passes and controlling the tempo like a maestro. He took home the Golden Ball (Best Player), and honestly, nobody else was even close.
Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez: The Wall
He didn't have to do his usual penalty shootout heroics in the final, but he kept five clean sheets throughout the tournament. He walked away with the Golden Glove, proving once again that he’s arguably the best big-game goalkeeper in the world right now.
Angel Di Maria: The Last Dance
This was it for "Fideo." Di Maria had already announced he was retiring from the national team after this tournament. Seeing him subbed off in the 117th minute to a standing ovation was heavy. He’s the guy who scored the winners in the 2021 final and the 2008 Olympics, and he left the pitch a champion one last time.
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What This Means for the 2026 World Cup
People keep asking if Messi is done. After the injury in the final, the speculation went into overdrive. But Argentina proved they are no longer a one-man team. They have a system under Lionel Scaloni that works even when their captain is crying in the dugout.
Colombia, despite the heartbreak, established themselves as a legitimate top-tier threat. They outplayed Argentina for large stretches of that final. If they keep this core together, they are going to be a massive problem for everyone at the 2026 World Cup.
Key stats you should know from the 2024 Final:
- Final Score: Argentina 1, Colombia 0 (After Extra Time)
- Golden Boot Winner: Lautaro Martínez (5 goals)
- Golden Ball Winner: James Rodríguez (6 assists)
- Golden Glove Winner: Emiliano Martínez (5 clean sheets)
If you're looking to gear up for the next cycle of international play, keep a close eye on the South American World Cup qualifiers. The rivalry between these two teams isn't going anywhere, and the gap between the "big two" (Argentina and Brazil) and the rest of the pack is shrinking fast. Check the current CONMEBOL standings to see how Colombia is rebounding after their Miami heartbreak.