Argentina Secured 16th Copa America Title

Laturo Martinez’s Late Score Took Argentina Over The Line

Lionel Messi led Argentina secured their record-breaking 16h Copa America title after striker Laturo Marutinez’s late score in the 111th minute in the extra time took Argentina over the line against Columbia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on 15th July. It was Argentina’s second triumph on a trot after their victory in the 2021 edition over Brazil in the finals.

The match was delayed by 82 minutes before beginning due to ticketless fans flooding the stadium and the one with the legit ticket could not enter. Argentina was ahead in possession most of the time in the match however Columbia also looked ferocious in the second half, taking a few shots toward the goal, but Emiliano Martinez’s golden hand denied all the attempts made by the opposition.

Star player Lionel Messi who was playing his last international tournament had to leave the field in the 64th minute after he got injured in the 36th minute of the game due to a collision with Santiago Arias. Messi was seen icing his swollen ankle and sobbing on the bench after being substituted.

The intensity of the game between two powerhouses of South America steered the game almost half an hour post-full-time. But it was Laturo Martinez who shot the ball in the right place of the net after Leanardo Paredes won it in the midfield, making it a memorable sing-off for both Di Maria and Leo Messi who were playing their last major event for Argentina.

Inter Milan striker Laturo Martinez bagged the Man of the Match award for his match-winning goal, he also won the Golden Boot for being the highest goal-scorer with five goals.