Argentina Beats Colombia in Copa America Final and Becomes Undisputed Champion
Despite not showing their best play throughout the Copa América, Scaloni’s team demonstrated that their achievements haven’t diminished their hunger. Argentina is the back-to-back champion of the Americas, leaving Miami with another trophy. This is yet another accolade for Lionel Scaloni’s team, adding to their two Copa América titles and a World Cup, which makes Scaloni the most successful coach in Argentine national team history.
This group is also the most successful in Argentine national team history. They had to endure a lot because they didn’t perform at the level we’re used to. They didn’t play as they did in Qatar, for example, but they overcame various obstacles, suffering in matches like the one against Ecuador, where Argentina struggled significantly to secure the victory. That win came through penalties, thanks to a brilliant performance by Dibu Martínez. Then, they improved against Canada in the semifinals. It’s true that Argentina faced a theoretically easier opponent than others, but in the first round, they had struggled against the same rival. Today, they faced the toughest challenge of the tournament.
One wondered how Argentina would play against Colombia. Considering their recent performances and Colombia’s impressive form, the match could have been much more complex. I don’t know how much Argentina’s presence influenced Colombia’s performance, but Argentina was always up to the task. This champion might not be as brilliant as the one in Qatar, but it’s undeniable. They rose to the occasion in the most important match, winning with their quality, achieving a phenomenal title against a team that was striving for its greatest victory.
For Argentina, this tournament makes them back-to-back continental champions. It surpasses Uruguay in the historical Copa América standings and showcases a group that, a year and a half later, still maintains their hunger, desire, and ambition. These players are accomplished in every sense—sporting, glory, and financially—but they still want more. They are a winning group, always striving for more.
Today, I fully recognize them as a winning group. They are not content with what they have and have an almost amateurish desire to keep striving. It’s easy to become complacent, especially in the comfort of top European clubs, after winning the greatest prize a footballer can achieve—the World Cup, which Argentina won in December 2022 in Qatar. Yet, this team wants more. Even if they had to lose today, they would have fought hard in a very complex match. Colombia controlled the ball in the early minutes, creating some opportunities, although none were very clear. Fortunately for Argentina, James Rodríguez wasn’t at his best. At the start, it seemed like he would have a great match, but he faded. Argentina didn’t mark him closely or pressure him much. They let him receive the ball, but there was always someone on him. He wasn’t at his best, nor was Luis Díaz, thanks to Montiel’s good work. Díaz couldn’t find his rhythm, couldn’t win one-on-ones, and lacked inspiration.
On the other side, Argentina started with Di María on the right, Messi floating in the middle, and Julián on the left. This wasn’t the best setup for me. When Di María switched to the left, things improved as the first half ended. There was a turning point when Messi tussled with Arias, the Colombian right-back who replaced the suspended Muñoz from the semifinal against Uruguay. Messi showed significant pain in his right ankle. There were questions about whether he could play the second half. He did, but at 65 minutes, he couldn’t continue. This poignant moment, with Messi breaking into tears on the bench, will be part of football history. It wasn’t clear if it was due to frustration, pain, or the severity of the injury. Talking to the doctor and thinking about the future, it was a heartbreaking moment for the Argentine captain who had to leave the field, passing the captain’s armband to Di María, who played a great match and was named the best player of the night.
The match fell into chaos with numerous substitutions. James Rodríguez did not return for extra time, during which Argentina had several opportunities, with Nico González performing remarkably well. González replaced Messi and was key throughout the game, even if an offside call nullified his goal.
In the chaotic extra time, Argentina made effective substitutions. Paredes replaced Enzo Fernández successfully, although Lo Celso did not perform well. However, Lo Celso’s brilliant pass to Lautaro Martínez at the end of the second extra time allowed Martínez to score the decisive goal. Martínez, who became the tournament’s top scorer with five goals in six matches, delivered an impressive performance, showing his growth since the World Cup, where he played injured and lost his starting position to Julián Álvarez.
Argentina bids farewell as champions, deservedly so. Colombia played an excellent tournament, perhaps showcasing the most brilliance, but in the final, they never surpassed Argentina. Argentina won fairly and remains the best, despite not always playing to their full potential. The coaching staff’s work is commendable, maintaining high standards and ensuring that no player’s position is secure, fostering healthy competition within the team.
Di María bid farewell to the national team in an emotional moment, overshadowing the Copa América final. The camaraderie and long-standing partnerships among players like Messi, Otamendi, and others were evident. This group acknowledges their finite time in the national team, especially with Messi’s injury casting uncertainty on his future.
Scaloni’s future also raises questions. His doubt about continuing as coach, expressed after the win, leaves the next steps for the team unclear. Regardless, the fans leave with immense joy after a tense day marked by stadium chaos and delays, highlighting the fervor and passion for Argentine football.
Courtesy TyC Sports
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