da apostaganha: Argentina lifted the Copa America once again thanks to an extra-time winner from the tournament's scoring superstar
da cassino online: For so much of his career, the narrative was that Lionel Messi was let down by his No. 9s. Gonzalo Higuain was the most frequent target of the accusation and his mantle had been unceremoniously passed to Lautaro Martinez in recent years.
But this summer, this Copa America, it was Martinez's tournament. And when the injured Lionel Messi needed him most – when Argentina needed him most – he was the striker that scored the legendary goal to win his country the 2024 Copa America.
Martinez bagged the tournament winner in the 112th minute, leading Argentina to a 1-0 win and a second-straight Copa America title. It took them a scoreless 90 minutes, and a hell of an extra-time effort, but the Inter Milan star did what he's been bast at over the past month: score.
That's back-to-back-to-back titles with a World Cup sandwiched in between and, this summer, Martinez is the man to thank.
He's the Golden Boot winner with six goals, but he'll never score one more important than his late effort. With legs tiring and emotions high, Martinez burst through the heart of the defense, picking his corner with ease. It's the type of moment Argentina would have missed out on so many times in prior years. Not this time.
All the while, Messi could only watch. He was forced out early, the victim of an injury that saw his ankle swell to the size of an apple. In tears of sadness as he departed the pitch in the second half, they turned to tears of joy when Martinez hit the net.
Playing in his 39th and possibly last Copa América match at age 37, Messi had just one goal in the tournament.
"Messi had to leave because of that ankle problem, but finally we were able to give him some joy," said Argentina teammate Angel Di Maria, who jointly lifted the trophy alongside Messi.
On this night, Messi's teammates picked him up. Argentina are champions again, and the legacy continues. The Messi era may be ending, but Argentina's reign of dominance continues on.
GOAL rates Argentina's players from Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense
Emiliano Martinez (8/10):
Had a few really good saves in the first half as Colombia came out hot. Organized well and came off his line at the right time. Exactly what you expect from Dibu, who kept things calm all night.
Nicolas Tagliafico (7/10):
Came oh-so-close to winning the game for Argentina several times. He was a yard offside on the one that actually hit the back of the net, robbing him of what was nearly a tournament-winning goal. Was dangerous after that, too, as he was surprisingly Argentina's biggest attacking threat.
Lisandro Martinez (6/10):
Nothing super special, but solid. He battled all night long and had a few important interventions when Colombia pushed.
Cristian Romero (7/10):
Another big performance from the defender, who has been fantastic all tournament long. Colombia whipped in crosses all night and he swatted plenty of them away, and he did so in ways that prevented Colombia from jumping onto second balls.
Gonzalo Montiel (6/10):
Got forward a decent amount but just lacked that final ball a little bit. Found himself in acres of space a few times, but his teammates didn't quite find him in those moments.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Rodrigo De Paul (8/10):
Just an absolute menace and proabably Argentina's best player. So much energy and effort, which is so key in finals like this. It was a cagey game throughout, and Argentina could always rely on De Paul to be right there on the front lines in midfield.
Enzo Fernadez (6/10):
Was active and involved, particularly on the ball. Colombia were able to outmuscle him a few times but, generally, he held his own.
Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):
Passing was fantastic, he did plenty of defensive work and he had one decent chance to score blocked away. If something good was happening for Argentina, Mac Allister was probably involved.
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Angel Di Maria (7/10):
In what was his final Argentina game, Di Maria certainly left it all out there. He pushed hard on that left-hand side and had one good chance early in the second half. Played deep into extra-time, too. Legendary.
Julian Alvarez (4/10):
Never got the service, although that wasn't all. Alvarez didn't really put himself in positions to create danger, which is the main reason he had a quiet game.
Lionel Messi (5/10):
An unceremonious end to an unceremonious tournament by the most ceremonious of global legends. Messi was seen crying on the sideline after sustaining an apparent ankle injury, ending his tournament in heartbreak. Prior to his exit, he was struggling after taking a tumble in the first half. Overall, it just wasn't his night.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Nico Gonzalez (7/10):
Don't envy him having to replace Messi. He was dangerous, nearly scoring in the 95th minute if not for a spectacular save.
Nahuel Molina (6/10):
The field was very much tilted toward the other side during his time in the field, particularly with Tagliafico shining. Still, he was good enough in the few moments where he got forward.
Lautaro Martinez (9/10):
It was his summer. After going insane in the tournament's early rounds, it felt right that the Inter man scored the late winner.
Leandro Paredes (6/10):
Came on and immediately went to work. Provided the fresh legs Argentina needed.
Giovani Lo Celso (8/10):
What a ball to spring Martinez. The finish was spectacular, but the assist was just as good as Lo Celso earned his place in history, too.
Nicolas Otamendi (N/A):
Thrown on for the game's final moments to see out the game.
Lionel Scaloni (7/10):
Nailed his subs, to say the least. Gonzalez shined in place of Messi and Martinez, of course, got the winner. A legendary win from a legendary coach.