Unprecedented dramatic ending, Argentina team reached the top once again

The Copa America 2024 final on July 15th left a rollercoaster of emotions, from fans' anger over poor security, Messi's tears, to 120 minutes of breathtaking play and Argentina's narrow 1-0 victory over Colombia in extra time.

Serious security incident

American media outlets heavily criticized security measures, highlighting numerous weaknesses and the organizers' failure to anticipate potential incidents. Thousands of Colombian fans without tickets pushed and broke through ticket gates, causing serious chaos and delaying the final match by nearly 75 minutes. Security officials were overwhelmed and had to reinforce their forces to deal with the situation, arresting dozens of unruly spectators. Dozens fainted from being trampled, and many others sustained injuries requiring medical attention.

 

 

Chaos ensued; the organizers were unable to control the audience.

"The scene outside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens (Florida, USA) before the final looked like a battlefield. It's hard to believe this is what it was like before a highly anticipated soccer final," commented journalist Felipe Cardenas of CBS Sports Golazo. The unfortunate incident drew heavy criticism from the host nation, the United States. Former football star Alexi Lalas expressed on FOX Soccer: "These images are not good for America at all, while we are less than two years away from hosting the 2026 World Cup." Fortunately, the worst-case scenario for the 2024 Copa America final did not happen; the match was not postponed. The Copa America 2024 organizers, along with the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and CONCACAF (North, Central America and the Caribbean), made the right decision at the last minute by reopening the gates to allow fans back into the stadium. Ticket checks have also been relaxed to prevent stampedes that could endanger spectators' lives. This incident, along with the recent uproar when Colombian fans and Uruguayan players clashed in the stands after the semi-final match, has truly sounded the alarm about security for the host nation, the United States, not only at the Copa America 2024, but also at the World Cup 2026.

120 minutes of suspense

The match between Argentina and Colombia was dramatic and captivating, not only because of the intensity of the game but also because of Messi's tears when he had to leave the field due to a serious injury in the 65th minute. Facing such an uncertain situation, the resilience of the reigning World Cup and Copa America champions helped Argentina overcome the difficulties in a spectacular fashion.

Argentina successfully defended their Copa America title.

AFP

Coach Scaloni made some excellent substitutions after Messi left the field. Supporting players like Nicolas Gonzalez, and later Molina, Lo Celso, Lautaro Martinez, and Paredes, played brilliantly. The Argentine team transformed, playing more directly and effectively. Against a tough Colombian opponent, Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal in the 112th minute of extra time, making the difference and turning the game around. Argentina thus became Copa America champions, and the most successful team in history with 16 titles, surpassing Uruguay's 15. This championship title will also be a fitting end for Messi, Di Maria, and Otamendi, the veteran players of the Argentine team. Meanwhile, Colombia will be left disappointed as their tireless efforts went unrewarded.

Who won the individual awards?

The Argentina national team became the second team in the world to win three consecutive major tournaments: the Copa America 2021, 2024, and the World Cup 2022. Previously, Spain achieved this feat by winning EURO 2008, 2012, and the World Cup 2010. Argentina also received two individual awards: Top Scorer Lautaro Martinez (5 goals) and Best Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Colombia, in addition to their runner-up position, received the Fair Play award and the Best Player award for James Rodriguez.

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