New Delhi: Lautaro Martinez stepped up under pressure once again to score a late winner and help Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the final to win the Copa America 2024 title. Martinez scored a decisive goal in the 112th minute to power Argentina to their second straight title and 16th overall. After scoring, Martinez ran to share a hug with captain Lionel Messi, who was subbed off in the second half due to an injury.
Messi was reduced to tears as he broke down on Argentina’s bench after an unforced injury led to him getting substituted in the final. The Argentine talisman tipped on the ground while running in the 62th minute sustained an ankle injury which saw him miss the rest of the game. He was devastated as he sat on the bench and couldn’t control his tears.
Messi was seen sobbing while covering his face as cameras panned towards him after his substitution. However, his tears were soon turned into joy by Martinez, who gave the Argentina captain an emotional hug after scoring the winner in the final.
Agony turned into ecstasy for Messi and thousands of Argentina fans present inside the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami when Martinez put one over Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas to give his team the decisive lead.
Watch Martinez hugs Messi after scoring in Copa America final:
Lautaro Martinez celebrates the goal with Messi. ❤️pic.twitter.com/o6C6We8XFY
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) July 15, 2024
Lautaro Martínez scored and immediately went to Messi 😂
— MBAH (@Mbahdeyforyou) July 15, 2024
Messi had an average tournament by his standards as the Argentine talisman managed to score only one goal in an injury-ridden campaign. His solitary goal came in a winning cause against Canada in the semi-finals. Messi’s only assist in the tournament also came against Canada. The ace forward was expected to be the difference for his team in the final but an injury cut short his stay in the middle.
Lautaro Martinez wins Golden Boot
Martinez won the Golden Boot in Copa America 2024 for finishing the tournament as the highest goal-scorer. His winning goal in the final against Colombia was his 5th in the tournament as he finished with 5 goals from six matches. Martinez won his maiden Golden Boot for Argentina in the Copa America, helping them lift a record 16th title.
Lautaro Martinez ran to share an emotional hug with injured Lionel Messi after scoring the winner for Argentina in the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia on Monday. Messi’s tears were turned into joy by Martinez, who helped Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
