Copa America 2024: Late Lautaro Martínez Goal Fuels Argentina's 16th Trophy

Lionel Messi’s Argentina won yet another Copa America. This is the 16th time Argentina has won the Copa America. Argentina beat Latin American rivals Colombia in the finals, winning the match 1-0 with a late Lautaro Martinez goal. This is the second time in the 21st century that the Lionel Messi-led team has won the Copa America. It is also the second consecutive trophy for La Albiceleste. This is likely the last cup for two Argentine greats, Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, or possibly the last major international trophy both legends will lift in their careers for the sky blue and white.

Argentina, the current world champions who won the FIFA World Cup in Qatar after beating France in 2022, went to the final held at Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium without much effort as both Group state matches and the knockout matches came easy for them during the entire tournament.

This win has also accelerated Lionel Messi’s chances for another Ballon d’Or as other competitors in the run like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. faltered in the continental competitions they have participated this summer. The current Inter Miami player, who already has 8 coveted world’s best footballer award in his name, has already scored 13 goals in 18 appearances for the Major League Soccer side. This Copa also extends the trophy cabinet for Messi to 45 titles.

This win against Columbia, that was led by one of their most decorated players in the modern football James Rodriguez, will also help Argentina to remain in the top of FIFA World Rankings.