Copa America final score: Argentina top Colombia on Lautaro Martinez winner after Lionel Messi injury

messi.jpg
Getty Images

Let the dynasty talk begin as Argentina have lifted their second consecutive Copa America title following a 1-0 victory over Colombia in Miami on Sunday night after Lionel Messi left the game with an injury. It was a night that began with chaos due to security issues that delayed the match by over an hour, but as it wore on, Argentina got stronger. The Copa America Golden Boot winner Lautaro Martinez ensured that Messi's injury wouldn't stop Argentina from winning another trophy and that Angel Di Maria would be sent off into international retirement in style, finishing a fine ball from Gio Lo Celso.

Argentina have now won three consecutive major trophies sandwiching their 2022 World Cup title with Copa America titles and they also become the leader in Copa America titles with 16, passing Uruguay. Due to Argentina winning Copa America, they'll meet the Euro winners Spain in the Finalissima next year. That could be quite a moment as Messi could come face-to-face with Barcelona and Spain's future, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal. Messi has already met Yamal as a baby during a charity shoot, so this is something that could be quite a full-circle moment. 

It has been a night full of these due to Argentina being the last team to defeat Colombia in February of 2022, ending their 28-match unbeaten wrong. That victory two years ago eliminated Colombia from World Cup qualification after which they appointed Nestor Lozano, who then went and oversaw more than two years unbeaten with Colombia. That 28-match run has come to and end though at the hands of none other then La Albiceleste. Colombia can hang their heads high as this was their first Copa America final since 2001. 

Everything was left on the pitch by both teams and Argentina had to rally in order to fight back when Messi left the match with an ankle injury after planting wrong. Messi could be seen in tears on the sidelines showing what this moment means to him, but when Martinez scored, he made sure to go over to his captain to celebrate. Di Maria's Argentina career also comes to a close on a high note. In 145, caps, Di Maria has 31 goals and 32 assists while being key in Argentina lifting all three of these major trophies. 

We could begin to see the future of the Argentine national team soon but if this is the end of their peak, it will still stack up with some of the best ever. Lionel Scaloni will be targeting a fourth consecutive trophy in the 2026 World Cup, which will also take place in the United States along with Mexico, and Canada.

Don't miss CBS Sports Golazo Network's Morning Footy, now in podcast form! Our crew brings you all the news, views, highlights and laughs you need to follow the Beautiful Game in every corner of the globe, every Monday-Friday all year long.

Updates
(59)
 
Pinned
Link copied

Argentina 1, Colombia 0 (FT)

Angel Di Maria rides off in style as Argentina defeats Colombia to win the Copa America title. They've now won two consecutive Copa America titles and a World Cup to now have secured three consecutive major titles. Lautaro Martinez ended as a substitute to score and the last team to defeat Colombia in 2022 was the one to end their 28-match unbeaten run in 2024. There will be worries over Messi's fitness but those worries are easier to stomach after securing another trophy.

July 15, 2024, 1:31 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 9:31 pm EDT
See New Posts
 
Pinned
Link copied

LAUTARO MARTINEZ!!!!

Argentina has their goal and it's from the Golden Boot leader of the tournament. Lo Celso's pass was good to keep things going and Martinez's fifth goal of the tournament could be his biggest.

July 15, 2024, 3:58 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 11:58 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Colombia are going for it 

The bench has been emptied with Jorge Carrascal, Moguel Broja, and Mateus Uribe entering. Luis Diaz, Jhon Arias and Jefferson Lerma have exited. Colombia have gone from two Jhon's starting the match to zero finishing it.

July 15, 2024, 3:52 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 11:52 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

It didn't end in a goal but this was sweet

July 15, 2024, 3:48 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 11:48 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

15 more minutes, still no goals

These players are so so tired. They're getting pushed to their limits but Colombia has subs remaining.

July 15, 2024, 3:47 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 11:47 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

This is chaotic

Bodies are falling everywhere as exhaustion kicks in in Miami. Colombia seems out of sorts but the Argentina attack can't make them pay. 

July 15, 2024, 3:42 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 11:42 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Another chance for Gonazlez

He's been excellent since coming into the match but Vargas was there again to keep Argentina from their opening goal. Mistake-free soccer becomes much more important with each minute that ticks away now.

July 15, 2024, 3:35 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 11:35 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

James Rodriguez is off

This is now a different game for Colombia as their 10 is also off the pitch now during extra time. At 32, it's not surprising that Rodriguez won't go 120 minutes, but it's a big moment for his replacement Juan Quintero. 

July 15, 2024, 3:32 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 11:32 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

We've got more soccer

Argentina had a few chances to win it in stoppage time but now we're going to extra time as 90+ minutes of soccer have passed by without a goal. Hard Rock stadium is tense as the chance that this match is determined by penalties still remains.

July 15, 2024, 3:24 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 11:24 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

We could see extra time 

Unlike the knockout stage of Copa America so far, the final does have extra time if the match is tied after regulation. We're still level in the 87th minute so could we get 30 more minutes of soccer?

July 15, 2024, 3:18 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 11:18 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

The ball is in the net but the flag is raised

The substitute Gonzalez scores but it's waved off as Colombia breathes a sigh of relief. It will go to VAR to confirm but this one seems clear.

July 15, 2024, 3:06 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 11:06 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Messi is off

Nicolas Gonzalez is now in the match as it seems like another hamstring injury for Messi. He already missed Argentina's final group stage match with a hamstring injury and has rarely been at 100% fitness during this tournament. Now, Argentina will need to see if someone can step up in the absence of their talisman.

July 15, 2024, 2:58 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 10:58 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Messi is down again

This one seems serious as Messi signaled to the bench after taking a step. He was already suffering in the first half, and after taking a wrong step, Argentina could need a sub here.

July 15, 2024, 2:54 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 10:54 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Again a good save from Vargas

Angel DI Maria got into an excellent positon to put a shot on net but Vargas was there and ready. Lionel Scaloni is animated on the sideline as we enter the business end of this final.

July 15, 2024, 2:49 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 10:49 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Those Colombian set pieces

Cordoba's header back into space found Davidson Sanchez in the box. The center back wasn't able to get it on target but if Colombia are going to go ahead, it will likely come from dead ball situations.

July 15, 2024, 2:45 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 10:45 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

What a block from Vargas

1-1 with Mac Allister, the Colombian keeper was able to maintain his ground while also changing the look fo the Argentine attack. A big moment to look back on if Colombia can win this.

July 15, 2024, 2:40 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 10:40 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

We're back underway

An extra 10 minutes were added to halftime and now we're back to the issue at hand. A balanced Copa America final that is still anyone's game.

July 15, 2024, 2:35 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 10:35 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Shakira is out

July 15, 2024, 2:26 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 10:26 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Level at the half

This isn't a huge surprise with how Copa America matches have started but Colombia would've wanted to have something to show for their good attacks in the first half. Now it's time to regroup while Shakira injects more energy into the stadium.

July 15, 2024, 2:12 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 10:12 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Lautaro Martinez is warming up

This could be precautionary but after Messi has been visibly limping at times, it's something that could mean more. 

July 15, 2024, 2:05 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 10:05 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Messi reenters the pitch

While Messi seems to be in pain, he'll try to continue in the match. This is a moment where the extended halftime for Shakira's performance may be welcome.

July 15, 2024, 2:01 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 10:01 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Messi receives treatment

Going to take a shot, Messi's ankle rolled under Colombian midfielder Richard Rios. The Argentine will receive treatment but already being hobbled with a hamstring injury, a hush has gone over the crowd.

July 15, 2024, 2:00 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 10:00 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Taking a pop from downtown

Another Argentina turnover, another chance for Colombia. Lerma took a shot from outside the box forcing a save from Martinez following a turnover from Messi. Colombia's corner kick was a dangerous one but it hasn't led to a goal as pressure continues to build. 

July 15, 2024, 1:56 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 9:56 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Cordoba takes a chunk out of Martinez

The Colombian striker picks up a yellow card for the challenge, the first of the match. Martinez is still down but he'll continue on in the match.

July 15, 2024, 1:51 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 9:51 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

A chance for Messi

He couldn't hit it cleanly with his shot striking Julian Alvarez but it's growth for Argentina as we're now in the 20th minute of play.

July 15, 2024, 1:43 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 9:43 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Argentina's midfield can't maintain possession

After what has been a disjointed start to the match to say the least, now that we're underway, Argentina can't find their rhythm. Colombia has already had a few chances from et plays and counters. If it continues, it'll only be a matter of time until there is a goal for Colombia.

July 15, 2024, 1:40 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 9:40 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Colombia's counter is ready

Luis Diaz with the first shot on target for Los Cafeteros. While it was a comfortable save, it's good for Colombia to be adventurous with their possession.

July 15, 2024, 1:29 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 9:29 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

A quick start

Argentina are attacking the right side without Munoz to see if Arias is ready. Colombia defended the first attack but it won't be the last time that Argentina prods.

July 15, 2024, 1:25 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 9:25 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Okay, soccer is happening 

It's a lot later than we expected but the teams are out and we're getting to prematch festivities. It has been quite a buildup but we've got soccer and Shakira to look forward to now.

July 15, 2024, 1:14 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 9:14 pm EDT
 
Pinned
Link copied

Prediction

Colombia will come full circle to win Copa America and extend their unbeaten run. With yet another victory, who will end up stopping this team? Pick: Colombia 2, Argentia 1

July 15, 2024, 1:09 AM
Jul. 14, 2024, 9:09 pm EDT
See More

Share Video

Link copied!
  • Image thumbnail
    3:26

    Messi Set To Return To Action Against Philadelphia Union! - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    1:36

    Empoli vs. Juventus: Serie A Match Preview! - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    4:19

    How Can Fonseca Get Milan On The Right Path? - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    6:21

    First Impressions On Mauricio Pochettino! - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    2:09

    Manchester City vs. Brentford: English Premier League Match Preview! - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    3:02

    Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest: English Premier League Match Preview! - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    1:20

    US Soccer Introduces Pochettino

  • Image thumbnail
    1:45

    How is Pochettino Viewed In Argentina? - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    1:55

    Colombia Snap Argentina's 12-Game Winning Streak! - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    2:33

    Leeds United vs. Burnley: EFL Championship Match Preview! - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    7:04

    How Can Brazil Do Better? - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    2:55

    Why Doesn't Vini Perform For Brazil? - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    8:33

    How Can Pochettino Unlock The USMNT? - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    4:08

    Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT Checklist! - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    8:14

    Winners & Losers Of This International Window! - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    2:43

    Nations With Historical Wins This International Window! - Scoreline

  • Image thumbnail
    10:57

    USMNT "Too Slow" In 1-1 Draw Against New Zealand? - Call It What You Want

  • Image thumbnail
    9:41

    What Should Mauricio Pochettino Do? - Call It What You Want

  • Image thumbnail
    1:36

    Has Yunus Musah Improved? - Call It What You Want

  • Image thumbnail
    13:12

    What Is The USMNT's Future With Mauricio Pochettino? - Scoreline