A late extra-time goal from Lautaro Martínez fired Argentina to a record-breaking 16th Copa América championship
The Golden Boot winner’s cool 112th minute strike settled a scintillating game, which had simply lacked a finishing touch until his arrival on 97 minutes. Martínez latched on to Giovani Lo Celso’s pass to dispatch the ball past a gallant Camilo Vargas in themidway through the second period. Messi, in tears upon leaving the field, returned to lift the trophy for the third major tournament in a row, after a long drought that had threatened to define his international legacy.
Messi looked certain to score on 20 minutes, but a swept effort from Ángel Di María’s pullback hit Álvarez on its way to goal. But Messi’s troubles began on 36 minutes when a challenge from Santiago Arias left him writhing on the ground clutching his right ankle. Seemingly, he was unable to shake off the injury.
Gonzalez, who was more impactful than Messi, then rose high to head a Di María cross back across goal, but Álvarez failed to gamble on what would have been a tap-in as the 90 minutes ended. In extra-time, Gonzalez forced a huge save after poking Rodrigo De Paul’s cutback goalwards. Vargas covered ground quickly to smother the ball on the goalline.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Copa América: Late strike seals Argentina win as Canada grab historic victoryLautaro Martínez scored from a rebound in the 88th minute, booking Argentina a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament
Read more »
Lionel Messi pulls strings as Argentina tame Canada in Copa América openerJulián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez scored as Argentina began the defense of their Copa América title with a 2-0 victory over Canada on Thursday night
Read more »
Copa América 2024: Argentina v CanadaMinute-by-minute report: Will the reigning champions get off to a winning start in the tournament opener? Join Bryan Graham for the latest
Read more »
Copa América predictions: can anybody stop Messi and Argentina?Our experts pick their winner, tournament MVP, the breakout star and which big name will be an early casualty
Read more »
Bedlam as Argentina wins Copa AmericaBedlam has erupted in Miami's Hard Rock Stadium after Argentina won the 2024 COMNEBOL Copa America deep into extra time after a marathon game.
Read more »
Argentina win Copa America over Colombia after Lionel Messi limps off cryingThe matched had been delayed due to thousands of fans without tickets forcing their way into the Miami stadium.
Read more »