Thanks to a goal from this summer’s superstar in extra time, Argentina won the Copa America once more.

The storyline around Lionel Messi for a significant portion of his career was that his No. 9s let him down. The most common target of the accusations was Gonzalo Higuain, whose mantle had been abruptly transferred to Lautaro Martinez in the last few years. However, Martinez’s competition was this summer’s Copa America. 

Messi was the striker who scored the historic goal to win his nation the 2024 Copa America, just when Argentina needed him most.

Argentina won the Copa America championship for the second time in a row after Martinez scored the game’s winning goal in the 112th minute. After a goalless first 90 minutes and an incredible comeback in extra time, the Inter Milan player accomplished what he has been struggling to do for the last month: score.

With a World Cup in between, that’s now back-to-back championships, and Martinez is the guy to thank this summer.

Despite having six goals to his credit and winning the Golden Boot, his late effort will always be remembered more than any other. Martinez tore past the defence, picking his corner with ease as his legs grew tired and his emotions ran high. It’s the kind of occasion that Argentina would have missed a great deal in the past. Not at this moment.

Messi was unable tо dо anything but watch. Due tо an аccident that caused his ankle tо expand tо the size оf an apple, he was fоrced tо leave schооl early. When Martinez fоund the net in the secоnd half, the tears that had been shed fоr his departure frоm the pitch became happy оnes.

Messi was scooped up by his teammates tonight. Argentina is back to winning, and the tradition lives on. Even if the Messi era might be coming to a close, Argentina is still the dominant nation.

Paul Rodrigo (8/10):

Simply put, the greatest player in Argentina and a real threаt. A great deal of effort and energy, which is crucial for finals like this. Argentina could always count on De Paul to be right there in the front lines of midfield during this cagey contest.

Fernadez Enzo (6/10):

was involved and active, especially when it came to the ball. He was occasionally outmuscled by Colombia, but overall he was competitive.

(7/10) Alexis Mac Allister:

He played a lot of defence, had a great passing game, and had one good opportunity to score that was denied. If Argentina was benefiting from anything, Mac Allister was very likely involved.