This was Argentina’s third Major tournament trophy in a row (2021 Copa America, 2022 FIFA World Cup) making them the first South American side to achieve this feat…reports Asian Lite News
Argentina have successfully defended their Copa America trophy with a 1-0 win over Colombia in the finals of the tournament at the Hard Rock Stadium to win the coveted title for record-breaking 16th time and its second in a row.
In a game where Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi injured his ankle and had to be subbed off in the second half of the game, La Albiceleste dug deep and held off their feisty opponents until extra-time where Golden Boot winner Lautaro Martinez scored his fifth and most important goal of the season to hand his side the victory.
This was Argentina’s third Major tournament trophy in a row (2021 Copa America, 2022 FIFA World Cup) making them the first South American side to achieve this feat.
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This was a special win for Argentina as one of its most loyal servants Angel Di Maria has now officially retired from international football and was ecstatic to be bowing out in such a manner.
“It was written, it was this way. I dreamed it, I dreamed that I retired like this,” he said. “I have so many beautiful feelings. I am eternally grateful to this generation that made me achieve what I sought so much,” said an emotional Di Maria in the post-game conference.
Lionel Messi took yet another step towards greatness as it was his 45th team accolade making him the most decorated player in football.
The World Champions were dominant throughout the tournament as they topped Group A before moving on to defeat Ecuador in the quarter-finals, Canada in the semi-finals and a Colombian side which were on a 28-game unbeaten streak heading into the finals.
Scaloni: ‘Eternally Grateful’ After Copa America Triumph
Lionel Scaloni has established his legacy as a cult hero for Argentina. The side had not won a Copa America since 1993 and not won a FIFA World Cup since 1986 edition of the tournament. Scaloni was appointed as the head coach of the side in 2018 and went on to lead Argentina to become the first South American team to win three major tournaments in a row. Following the final whistle an ecstatic Scaloni spoke to the media. “In the second half we improved and we deserved to win. In extra time, the team always gives an extra. I am eternally grateful to this team for how they give themselves.
I am very happy because people are happy and that is what we are here for: so that people identify with the team,” said Lionel to reporters in the post-game conference. Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in the finals of the 2024 Copa America, what is even more impressive is they had to do it without their star Lionel Messi, who rolled his ankle in the second half of the game and was forced to be subbed off with tears rolling down his eyes. Lautaro Martinez, the winner of the Golden Boot scored the only goal of the night in the 114th minute to give his side the victory. It will be a bittersweet night for Argentinians as it was Di Maria’s final game with the Argentina squad. Scaloni went on to acknowledge his importance in the team calling him a ‘legend’ and stating he could not convince Di Maria to continue. “Angel (Di María) has played spectacular games with us, but today was one of the best. When his legs gave out today, he started running as if he were 25 years old. He is a legend. He left and there is no way to convince him,” concluded the Argentine manager.
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