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World champions Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in Sunday’s Copa América final, cementing a record 16th continental title, thanks to an extra-time game-winner from substitute Lautaro Martínez.
Plagued by security issues that marred the lead-up to the event at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, the final was initially a cagey affair that leaned towards a more proactive Colombia. During a combative first half, Argentine star Lionel Messi suffered an ankle injury, which later forced his substitution.
Despite this, Argentina held tight and maintained a 0-0 score-line by the end of the regulation 90 minutes. Without their Inter Miami CF talisman in extra time, La Albiceleste regained momentum and a trophy via Martinez’s 112th-minute goal.
The result marks the first back-to-back Copa titles for Argentina in the 21st century. Colombia meanwhile still have a lone Copa trophy in hand, which was claimed back in 2001.
MANAGER RATING (1-10)
Lionel Scaloni, 7 — It’s not easy to not only have Messi substituted out due to injury, but also a full-back like Gonzalo Montiel, who needed to be subbed out with his own knock in the 72nd minute. This threw a wrench into Scaloni’s plans and, despite questions that should be raised about his team’s lack of attacking threat to start to the match, the Argentina boss found a way to get the job done and hold Colombia scoreless. Scaloni can hold his head high after making the right adjustments that led to the Copa trophy.
PLAYER RATINGS (1-10; 10: best. Players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)
GK Emiliano Martínez, 8 — A big personality that was just as massive in net. Martínez, as he has done all tournament, kept Argentina alive in the game and collected four saves and a handful of high claims in Sunday’s final.
DF Gonzalo Montiel, 6 — Provided a couple of vital clearances but wasn’t nearly as busy as the rest of his back-line. An injury led to his substitution in the 72nd minute.
DF Cristian Romero, 8 — With important tackles and success with his duels, there was little more you could ask of Romero. The Tottenham Hotspur defender was one of the primary reasons why Argentina didn’t concede a goal.
DF Lisandro Martínez, 8 — Worked very well with Romero, another invaluable defender in Argentina’s XI that powered through after suffering an early knock vs. Colombia. Had a defensive intervention in the second half of extra time that was worthy of a goal.
DF Nicolás Tagliafico, 7 — A mixed bag of a performance that developed into a commendable finish. The 31-year-old, at first caught making mistakes in his own half of the field, eventually began to influence the game with his decisions going forward.
MF Enzo Fernández, 7 — At times quiet, Fernández pulled many of the strings with his distribution in the heart of the XI.
MF Alexis Mac Allister, 6 — An average evening for the Liverpool midfielder who was no doubt affected by the pre-match crowd issues that forced him to intervene to ensure his family’s safety.
MF Rodrigo De Paul, 7 — At times needing to cover plenty of ground on the right flank when Ángel Di María switched wings, De Paul did well to cover his area of the midfield and help fight back with regaining possession.
MF Ángel Di María, 9 — Di María played with the kind of temperament of someone who knew it would be their last for Argentina. Eager to take charge with chance creation and the occasional shot on target, the veteran was arguably the Man of the Match.
FW Lionel Messi, 7 — Weaving in and out of tight spaces, the living legend attempted to make something from nothing in the early stages of the game. An ankle injury eventually limited his role.
FW Julián Álvarez, 5 — Not much to say about the striker that did well to connect with the front-line but didn’t register a single shot on target.
SUBSTITUTES
FW Nicolas Gonzalez, 8 — On another night, the headlines would have González’s name as the main story. The substitute, who scored a goal that was ruled offside, was eager with his chances and impact in the final third.
DF Nahuel Molina, N/A — Subbed on in the 72nd minute.
FW Lautaro Martínez, N/A — Subbed on in the 97th minute and scored the game-winner. If ratings were allowed to be given for players after the 70th minute, Martinez would easily get one of the highest marks.
MF Leandro Paredes, N/A — Subbed on in the 97th minute.
MF Giovani Lo Celso, N/A — Subbed on in the 97th minute and provided the assist for the game-winner.
DF Nicolás Otamendi, N/A — Subbed on in the 117th minute.