Argentina won the Copa America 2024 against Colombia in a tactical final, clinching victory through penalties after a goalless draw.

So, at this point, in the final of Copa America 2024, two giants in footballing powerhouses have emerged: Argentina vs. Colombia, at the iconic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. That was going to be one exciting match where both teams would feature their star-studded lineups. Spearheading it was going to be the incomparable Lionel Messi for Argentina.

A Battle of Giants

The last sixteen routes to the final saw Argentina and Colombia flex their muscle and never-say-die spirit. Argentina, with their all-time inspirational captain Lionel Messi, breezed through the tournament with a blend of experience and youthful zeal. Yet, on the other end, the Colombians stuck rigidly to their tactical maestro Reinaldo Rueda as the team played to a binding formation of staunch defense and cohesive counter-attacks.

First Half: A Tactical Standoff

And then, following the referee’s whistle to get things underway, one could have cut the tension in the stadium air. The two teams immediately started failing to play either adventurously or brightly as they felt each other out and tried to stamp some control on midfield. Argentina’s midfield trio, anchored by Leandro Paredes, ran tirelessly to dictate the tempo, while Colombia’s Wilmar Barrios proved a rock in front of defense, breaking up plays and starting counter-attacks.

The first real chance of the game arrived in the 20th minute when Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez, unmarked just outside the box, unleashed a curling effort superbly saved by Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina, who otherwise enjoyed an impressive takeoff in the tournament.

Second Half: Substitutions and Vanished Opportunities

This meant that both managers had to re-strategize in the second half through substitutions to come out and win the match. Argentina substituted Angel Di Maria, a dynamic striker, with Nicolas Gonzalez, a pacey striker known for his directness. The moment Gonzalez joined the fray, he became a constant pain as he created chances with his direct running and clever positioning. He never converted any, which frustrated the Argentina supporters further.

The latter — Di Maria — who largely had been peripheral in the first half, got himself into a good position, as Colombia gave the ball away cheaply; however, he couldn’t sort his feet out in time to fashion a shot as the Colombian defense recovered to clear the danger.

Extra Time and Penalties

Toward the latter part of the game, another effect of tiredness in teams set in: it was difficult to sustain the intensity. The match would have extra time, but neither of these teams could break through. Defenses held firm, and clear chances, in truth, were few. It was Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez and Colombia’s Ospina who were imposing figures between the posts, making sure that chances were few and far between for the scoreboard to remain goalless.

Since this match had gone on for 120 minutes without a result, inevitably, the feared penalty shootout would ensue. The tension was such that it created an electric atmosphere in the stadium. Argentina recently had good memories of shootouts, most especially that win in the 2021 Copa America semi-final against the Colombians.

The Shootout: A Test of Nerves

The experienced Argentina players showed their nerve in the shootout. Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Leandro Paredes all converted their penalties with ease. For Colombia, Duvan Zapata and Juan Cuadrado scored, but Yerry Mina’s effort was saved, again brilliantly by Emiliano Martinez, who had become something of a penalty specialist.

It was left to Argentina’s young star, Julian Alvarez, to take the final penalty. Under pressure—but not a bit of it—the young man slotted it past Ospina to send the Argentine players and fans into wild celebrations. Another night when Argentina did it again in Copa America 2024, securing the 16th title in the history of the event.

Conclusion: Resilience Wins the Day

The final of the Copa America 2024 will long be remembered as a class battle that exposed two teams to their defensive solidity and resilience. It was a victory led by legendary Lionel Messi, a testament to the mental character of the Argentines and the mix of experience and youth in this Argentine lineup. It was another case of so near, yet so far for Colombia, but they could take pride in their journey to the final and the performances of their key men.

As Lionel Messi and company lifted their trophy to the heavens, the celebrations were a fitting end to what has been an exciting tournament, one which once again underlined the passion and drama that Copa America always delivers.