Argentina won the 2024 Copa America after beating Colombia 1-0 in the final. Emiliano Martinez said Team Tango fought hard for Messi and Di Maria. Argentina secured the 2024 Copa America title thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory over Colombia in the final match at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, United States, Sunday (14/7/2024).
Argentina’s victory was confirmed by the only goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez in the 112th minute. The Argentina vs Colombia match had to continue into extra time because the two teams shared the score 0-0 for 90 minutes. Thanks to the victory over Colombia, Argentina successfully defended its Copa America title. Previously, the Tango Team, captained by Lionel Messi, also emerged as champions in the 2021 edition in Brazil.
“Being champion twice is something very beautiful for this National team, for this country,” said Argentina goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez. “We want to give another happiness to the public, we showed extraordinary fighting spirit. They thought we would relax, but we showed what kind of team we are,” goalkeeper Martinez said while holding his daughter.
The 2024 Copa America title was a beautiful farewell for Angel Di Maria. The final match against Colombia was Di Maria’s last opportunity to wear the Argentina national team shirt. When the moment for the championship celebration arrived, Lionel Messi didn’t want to lift the trophy alone. He invited Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi to share the trophy.
Winning a trophy was also the best solace for Messi, who was crying because he was injured and couldn’t finish the match. Messi was withdrawn in the 66th minute after feeling a problem with his ankle. He was replaced by Nico Gonzalez.
“I thought he had a hamstring injury, but it turned out to be his ankle. The ankle is very bad. Nico (Gonzalez) came in very well, Fideo (Di Maria) made a mess on the right and we want to win it for them (Messi and Di Maria),” said Emiliano Martinez who was named the best goalkeeper for the 2024 Copa America Argentina can now look to the next challenge.
The Tango team is scheduled to meet the Euro 2024 champions, Spain, in the 2025 Finalissima. “Now we will play in the Finalissima against Spain, we have another chance to win the title,” said Emiliano Martinez, who is familiarly called Dibu.
