World champions Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final on Sunday, consolidating their record 16th continental title thanks to an extra-time winner from substitute Lautaro Martinez.
The final, plagued by security issues that marred preparations for the event at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, was initially a cautious encounter that leaned towards a more proactive Colombia. During a combative first half, Argentina star Lionel Messi suffered an ankle injury, which later forced his substitution.
Despite this, Argentina held firm and kept the score at 0-0 at the end of the regulation 90 minutes. Without their talisman from Inter Miami CF in extra time, The Albiceleste regained momentum and a trophy thanks to Martínez's goal in the 112th minute.
The result marks Argentina's first consecutive Copa title of the 21st century. Colombia, meanwhile, still has just one Copa trophy in its possession, which it won in 2001.
MANAGER RATING (1-10)
Lionel Scaloni, 7 — It is not easy to have not only Messi out of the field through injury, but also a full-back like Gonzalo Montiel, who had to be substituted due to a knock in the 72nd minute. This ruined Scaloni's plans and, despite the doubts that must be raised about his team's lack of offensive danger at the start of the match, the Argentine coach found a way to get the job done and keep Colombia scoreless. Scaloni can hold his head high after making the right adjustments that led to the Copa trophy.
PLAYER RATING (1-10; 10: best. Players entering after 70 minutes are not rated)
GK Emiliano Martinez, 8 — A big personality who was equally important in goal, Martinez, as he has done throughout the tournament, kept Argentina alive in the game and made four saves and a handful of high passes in Sunday's final.
DF Gonzalo Montiel, 6 — He made a couple of vital clearances, but was not as active as the rest of his defensive line. An injury led to his substitution in the 72nd minute.
DF Cristian Romero, 8 — With important tackles and success in his duels, little more could have been asked of Romero. The Tottenham Hotspur defender was one of the main reasons why Argentina did not concede any goals.
DF Lisandro Martinez, 8 — He worked very well with Romero, another invaluable defender in Argentina's starting XI who broke through after suffering an early blow against Colombia. He made a defensive intervention in the second half of extra time that was worthy of a goal.
DF Nicolas Tagliafico, 7 — A mixed performance that ended in a commendable finale. The 31-year-old, who initially made mistakes in his own half of the pitch, eventually began to influence the game with his attacking decisions.
MF Enzo Fernandez, 7 — At times calm, Fernández pulled many of the strings with his distribution in the heart of the XI.
MF Alexis Mac Allister, 6 — A normal evening for the Liverpool midfielder, who was undoubtedly affected by the problems with the crowd before the match which forced him to intervene to guarantee the safety of his family.
MF Rodrigo De Paul, 7 — At times when Angel Di Maria switched wings, De Paul needed to cover a lot of ground on the right flank, but he did well to cover his area of midfield and help regain possession.
MF Angel Di Maria, 9 — Di Maria played with the temperament of someone who knew it would be his last game for Argentina. Eager to take control of the game, creating chances and occasionally shooting at goal, the veteran was undoubtedly the Man of the Match.
FOR Lionel Messi, 7 — Moving in and out of tight spaces, the living legend tried to make something out of nothing in the early stages of the game. An ankle injury ultimately limited his role.
Forward Julian Alvarez, 5 — There is not much to say about the forward who did well to connect with the first line but did not register a single shot on goal.
SUBSTITUTES
Forward Nicolas Gonzalez, 8 — On another night, the headlines would have been all about Gonzalez. The substitute, who scored a goal that was ruled out for offside, looked eager to take advantage of his opportunities and his impact in the final third of the pitch.
DF Nahuel Molina, N/A — He came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute.
FW Lautaro Martinez, N/A — He came on as a substitute in the 97th minute and scored the winning goal. If ratings were allowed for players after the 70th minute, Martinez would easily get one of the highest ratings.
MF Leandro Paredes, N/A — He came on as a substitute in the 97th minute.
MF Giovani Lo Celso, N/A — He came on as a substitute in the 97th minute and provided the assist for the winning goal.
DF Nicolas Otamendi, N/A — He came on as a substitute in the 117th minute.
