World champions Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final on Sunday, clinching a record 16th continental title thanks to a winner by substitute Lautaro Martinez in extra time.
The final, played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, was marred by security issues on the eve of the tournament and started cautiously with Colombia attacking aggressively. Argentina star Lionel Messi was forced to be substituted after suffering an ankle injury during a hard-fought first half.
Nevertheless, Argentina fought on and kept the score at 0-0 after 90 minutes of regulation. With Inter Miami CF’s goalkeeper gone in extra time, La Albiceleste A 112th-minute goal from Martinez gave them momentum and they went on to win the trophy.
The result was Argentina’s first consecutive Copa triumph of the 21st century, while Colombia still holds the only Copa trophy they won in 2001.
Manager Rating (1-10)
Lionel Scaloni, 7 — It’s not easy to replace not only Messi through injury, but also a full-back like Gonzalo Montiel, who was forced to leave the game after 72 minutes due to injury. This put a damper on Scaloni’s plans and questions should have been raised about the lack of attacking power early on, but the Argentine coach got the job done and found a way to keep Colombia scoreless. Scaloni can be proud of having made the right adjustments that led to the Copa trophy.
Player rating (1-10, 10 being the best. No rating for players brought on after the 70th minute)
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 8 — An equally dominant presence in goal, Martinez kept Argentina alive in Sunday’s final, making four saves and several high claims, just as he has done throughout the tournament.
Defender Gonzalo Montiel, 6 — He made some important clearances but was not as busy as the rest of the backline and was substituted in the 72nd minute due to injury.
Defender Cristian Romero, 8 — With key tackles and success in duels, Romero could not have asked for more, and the Tottenham Hotspur defender was one of the main reasons why Argentina did not concede a goal.
Defender Lisandro Martinez, 8 — He linked up extremely well with Romero, another valuable Argentina defender who played well against Colombia despite suffering an early injury, and made a defensive intervention late in extra time that was worthy of a goal.
Defender Nicolas Tagliafico, 7 — It was a mixed performance but ultimately one that deserved praise, as the 31-year-old initially made mistakes in his own half but eventually began to have an impact on the game with his decision-making going forward.
Midfielder Enzo Fernández, 7 — Fernandes was quiet at times but was a central part of the XI, passing the ball and taking control on many occasions.
Midfielder Alexis McAllister, 6 — It was a normal night for the Liverpool midfielder but was undoubtedly affected by a pre-match crowd issue which forced him to step in to ensure the safety of his family.
Midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, 7 — Although Angel Di Maria had to cover a lot of ground on the right when he switched sides, De Paul covered his area well in midfield, winning the ball back and contributing to the counter-attack.
Midfielder Angel Di Maria, 9 — Di Maria played with the guise of knowing it was his final game for Argentina, creating chances willingly and with the occasional shot on goal, the veteran was undoubtedly the man of the match.
Forward Lionel Messi, 7 — Moving around in tight spaces, the living legend tried to create something out of nothing in the early stages of the match before an ankle injury ultimately limited his role.
Forward Julian Alvarez, 5 — There’s not much to say about the strikers, who worked well with the forwards but failed to take a single shot on goal.
Replacement
Forward Nicholas Gonzalez, 8 — On another night, Gonzalez’s name would have filled the headlines, the substitute who had a goal ruled offside and was looking for chances and impact at the back line.
Defender Nahuel Molina, N/A — Substituted in the 72nd minute.
Forward Lautaro Martinez, N/A — He came on as a substitute in the 97th minute and scored the winner. If players were graded on performances after the 70th minute, Martinez would undoubtedly receive one of the highest marks.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes, N/A — Substituted in the 97th minute.
Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, N/A — He came on as a substitute in the 97th minute and contributed to the win.
Defender Nicolas Otamendi, N/A — Substituted in the 117th minute.
