Argentina Win Record 16th Copa América Title with Late Drama
In a thrilling finale, Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in extra time to claim their 16th Copa América title. Substitute Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in the 112th minute, securing the trophy for Lionel Scaloni’s side.
The match was a cagey affair, with Colombia looking the more likely to score in the first half. However, Argentina’s defense held firm, and they grew into the game as the match wore on. Despite losing Lionel Messi to an ankle injury, Argentina’s substitutes made a significant impact, with Martínez’s winner securing the win.
Manager Rating: 7/10
Lionel Scaloni deserves credit for making the right adjustments to secure the win. His team’s defense was solid, and they managed to keep Colombia at bay despite being down to 10 men after Messi’s injury.
Player Ratings
- Emiliano Martínez (GK): 8/10 – Made several crucial saves to keep Argentina in the game.
- Gonzalo Montiel (DF): 6/10 – Provided some important clearances, but was substituted due to injury.
- Cristian Romero (DF): 8/10 – Solid performance from the Tottenham defender, who was one of the primary reasons for Argentina’s clean sheet.
- Lisandro Martínez (DF): 8/10 – Worked well with Romero to keep Colombia at bay.
- Nicolás Tagliafico (DF): 7/10 – A mixed bag of a performance, but finished strongly.
- Enzo Fernández (MF): 7/10 – Pulled the strings in midfield, but was quiet at times.
- Alexis Mac Allister (MF): 6/10 – An average evening for the Liverpool midfielder.
- Rodrigo De Paul (MF): 7/10 – Covered plenty of ground on the right flank and helped fight back with regaining possession.
- Ángel Di María (MF): 9/10 – The veteran midfielder was Argentina’s best player, creating chances and taking shots on target.
- Lionel Messi (FW): 7/10 – Weaved in and out of tight spaces, but was limited by an ankle injury.
- Julián Álvarez (FW): 5/10 – Didn’t register a single shot on target, but did well to connect with the front line.
Substitutes
- Nicolas Gonzalez (FW): 8/10 – Made a significant impact, creating chances and scoring a goal that was ruled offside.
- Nahuel Molina (DF): N/A – Subbed on in the 72nd minute.
- Lautaro Martínez (FW): N/A – Subbed on in the 97th minute and scored the game winner.
- Leandro Paredes (MF): N/A – Subbed on in the 97th minute.
- Giovani Lo Celso (MF): N/A – Subbed on in the 97th minute and provided the assist for the game winner.
- Nicolás Otamendi (DF): N/A – Subbed on in the 117th minute.
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