 "Lionel Messi was in tears midway during the Copa America final after his substitution but had the last laugh. Images: Copa America X account/Reuters")
Lionel Messi’s tears turned into cheers as Argentina won a record 16th Copa America title on Monday after beating Colombia in the final of the 2024 edition on Monday. Messi was forced to leave the field of play in a high-octane final due to an ankle injury. The star forward had earlier suffered a blow to his ankle in the first half after a collision with Santiago Arias in the 36th minute.
The 37-year-old was reduced to tears after being relegated to the bench in what is most possibly his last Copa America appearance for Argentina.
He, however, had the final laugh as substitute Lautaro Martinez scored the winner and only goal of the match in the 112th minute.
Martinez, the 2024 Copa America’s leading goalscorer, made full use of an incisive through ball from Giovani Lo Celso and blasted it past Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute, leading to wild celebrations among Argentina players and fans.
The winning goal could also prove to be the perfect sendoff for Messi if he decides to retire from international football ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And the Argentine legend celebrated the Copa win in style as he lifted the title with his teammates in a grand trophy ceremony after the final.
This was also Argentina’s third straight major tile win after triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America.
The victory in the Copa America final also ended Colombia’s 28-match unbeaten streak who had last tasted defeat in February 2022, also against ‘La Albiceleste’.