3rd Consecutive Triumph: Argentina’s Heroic Victory Despite Messi’s Heartbreaking Injury

Argentina Secures Second Straight Copa America Despite Messi’s Injury

Argentina won its second straight Copa America championship, overcoming Lionel Messi’s second-half leg injury to beat Colombia 1-0 on Sunday night. Messi appeared to sustain a non-contact injury while running and falling in the 64th minute, and he covered his face with his hands as he sobbed. He had been working through a leg injury that hindered him throughout this year’s tournament. He was forced to miss Argentina’s group stage finale against Peru. His goal against Canada in the semifinal was his first of the tournament and his 109th of his career. Argentina is attempting to continue its recent run of success, which includes a 2021 Copa America title and a 2022 World Cup victory.

Messi’s Struggle with Injury Throughout the Tournament

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Messi has been an integral part of the team’s dominance, and while the injury limited him in this year’s tournament, his presence helps galvanize Argentina and gives his teammates confidence. Without Messi, Argentina is facing a tough battle against a Colombian team that is motivated to extend its recent unbeaten streak. Both teams failed to capture any momentum in regulation and were forced to go to extra time. Argentina won its third straight major title following the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup and matched Spain, which won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships around the 2010 World Cup.

Argentina also stopped Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten streak dating to a 1-0 loss to Albiceleste in a February 2022 World Cup qualifier, also on a Martínez goal. Martínez entered in the 97th minute Sunday and scored from Giovani Lo Celso’s perfect pass after Leandro Paredes stripped the ball from a Colombian with a sliding tackle near the center stripe. Paredes exchanged passes with Martínez, then threaded the ball to Lo Celso, who one-timed a through ball as Martínez sprinted past defender Carlos Cuesta. Martínez ran onto the ball, took a touch that sent him into the penalty area, and struck a right-foot shot through the upraised arms of sliding goalkeeper Camilo Vargas for his 29th international goal, his tournament-high fifth.

Messi’s Potential Last Copa America Appearance Marred by Injury

Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo said many Colombian players finished with severe cramping. Temperatures were in the upper 80s, with humidity around 73%. Messi made his 39th and possibly last Copa America appearance, making his 39th and possibly last Copa America appearance. He went down in the 36th minute after his left ankle was caught by Santiago Arias but walked back onto the field three minutes later. He looked to the bench as soon as he fell to the field in the second half, appearing to know his tournament was over. He took off his right boot as he walked off and slammed it in frustration, and his ankle appeared to swell.

Colombia’s Aggression and the Impact of Halftime Performance on Match Conditions

Colombia was more aggressive and forced goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to make four saves in the first half, but Argentina began to threaten more in the second half. Many players lost their footing during the second half of Sunday’s match, and the grass was heavily watered with sprinklers following the halftime performance by Colombian pop star Shakira, which caused an extended halftime break. In conclusion, Argentina’s Copa America championship win over Colombia was a heartbreaking event, with Messi’s injury and the crowd issues leading to a difficult match. The match saw Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, make four saves and Argentina’s goalkeeper, Nicolás González, take the lead in the scoring.

Post Tournament Awards

1. Best player of Copa America 2024 Finals: James Rodriguez (Six assists and one goal)
2. Golden Boot (top scorer) of Copa America 2024: Lautaro Martinez (Five goals)
3. Best goalkeeper of Copa America 2024 – Emiliano Martinez (Five clean sheets)
4. Fair play Award of Copa America 2024 – Colombia