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Copa America 2024: Argentina beats Colombia for their 16th reign; L. Martinez gives Di Maria dream farewell!

Team Argentina in Copa America 2024 final Pic:X
Xtra Time Web Desk: In a highly anticipated Copa America 2024 final held at the Hard Rock Stadium, the match between Argentina and Colombia witnessed dramatic events both on and off the field. Initially scheduled to kick off at 5:30 am IST, the game was significantly delayed. Fans without tickets breached the security gates around 3:30 am IST, resulting in a chaotic situation that forced legitimate ticket holders to be kept outside the stadium until 6:52 am IST, when the match finally began.

As the game progressed, tensions ran high with both teams striving for dominance. The first half was marked by fierce competition but neither team managed to score. The match took a turn in the 62nd minute when Lionel Messi, Argentina's star player, was forced to leave the field in tears due to a hamstring injury. The atmosphere in the stadium turned somber as Messi, in visible agony, was replaced by Nico Gonzalez.

Despite the setback, Argentina continued to push forward. The game remained goalless through regular time, pushing the match into extra time. It was in the 112th minute that Lautaro Martínez emerged as Argentina's hero. Assisted by a well-placed pass, Martínez scored the first and only goal of the match, redeeming himself after heavy criticism for his performance in the FIFA World Cup 2022. His goal not only secured the victory for Argentina but also silenced his detractors by winning his team the prestigious Copa America 2024 title.

The match was not without its disciplinary actions. Argentina's A. Mac Allister and G. Lo Celso received yellow cards in the 61st and 118th minutes, respectively. On the Colombian side, J. Córdoba and M. Borja were booked in the 27th and 115th minutes, highlighting the intense and aggressive nature of the match.

As the final whistle blew, Argentina emerged victorious with a scoreline of 1-0. This triumph was particularly poignant as it marked the farewell match of Ángel Di María. Lautaro Martínez's winning goal was seen as the highest form of tribute, ensuring that Di María's illustrious career ended on a high note with the Copa America 2024 trophy.

The victory was a testament to Argentina's resilience and determination, overcoming both on-field adversities and off-field disruptions. It was a night of mixed emotions, where tears of pain from Messi's injury mingled with tears of joy from their hard-earned victory. The Hard Rock Stadium bore witness to a historic event, celebrating not just a win, but the spirit of football that unites fans and players alike.