BY LISA MARIE MESIONA/ADDU INTERN
ARGENTINA won the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America as they crushed the unbeaten Colombia last Sunday in Miami.
La Albiceleste won 1-0 in a dramatic turn of events. Both teams were nil-nil for the first 90 minutes of the game. Lautaro Martinez, who was substituted in the second half, scored the only goal of the match in extra time.
The crowd went loud as Lionel Messi left the pitch in the second half with an ankle injury. The team captain could not hold back his tears after his unfortunate exit.
Despite the predicament, Messi reigned triumphant as he lifted the trophy to add to his already illustrious collection. He most recently won the Major League Soccer’s Leagues Cup for his club Inter Miami in 2023.
Lautaro was awarded the Golden Boot for the tournament, while fellow Argentine and Martinez Emiliano was awarded the Golden Glove. James Rodriguez was the only Colombian player in the lot, winning the Golden Ball trophy.
Argentina’s win earned them their 16th Copa America title, the most for any participating nation. They last won the tournament in 2021, before winning the prestigious 2022 World Cup.
