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.
