Argentina continued its historic run in international football as the Lionel Messi-led side won the Copa America 2024 in Miami. La Albiceleste took down Colombia 1-0 thanks to a 112th-minute winner by Lautaro Martinez. With this crucial goal, the Inter Milan forward capped off a stunning tournament as he was the highest goal-scorer in the Copa American 2024 with six goals in five matches.
The victory was even special for the Argentines as the side was without their best player Leo Messi, who was subbed out in the 66th minute after suffering an ankle injury. But the rest of the players held their own to get the La Albiceleste over the line.
The Argentine team has won their third straight major title following the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup. As the Albiceleste were given the 2024 Copa America trophy, veterans of the side Messi, Angel Di Maria and Nicolás Otamendi recreated the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s iconic walk after winning the recent FIFA World Cup.
I am eternally grateful to this generation: Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria, the Benfica winger retired from international football after this triumph. Speaking about his journey, Di Maria, the Player of the Final, said, “I dreamt it, that’s why I said it was the last Copa America and it ended here. I dreamt that I would reach the final, I dreamt that I would win it, that I would retire like this.”
“I have so many beautiful feelings… I am eternally grateful to this generation, they gave me everything, they made me achieve what I wanted so much, and today I am leaving in this way, how better than this?” he added.