The Argentine men’s national team is king of the continent once again.

The Albiceleste beat Colombia 1-0 in the 2024 Copa América final and lifted its second consecutive continental title. In a hard-fought game, without its captain and leader Lionel Messi — who had to be subbed off with an injury — Lionel Scaloni’s team managed to win its fourth consecutive championship and record-breaking 16th Copa América.

With both teams set to attack from kick-off, Colombia seemed to have the upper hand in the first half. It controlled the ball on the offensive and pressed Argentina up high on the pitch when Scaloni’s team tried to attack. Midfielder and talismanic playmaker James Rodríguez unleashed the Cafeteros speedy strikers with a series of long passes from deep.

However, Argentina got the biggest chance to score in the first half when in the 19th minute a great passing move by the Albiceleste left Messi with the ball at his feet inside the box, but his shot deflected off teammate Julián Álvarez, allowing Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas to pick up an easy save.

¡QUÉ CERCA ESTUVO EL PRIMERO, CAPITÁN!

Tras una gran jugada colectiva de Argentina, Messi quedó solo dentro del área y su remate se desvió en Julián Álvarez, lo que facilitó la respuesta de Vargas. #CopaAmérica pic.twitter.com/M9IE1UFUAZ

Argentines got a bad scare when, in the 36th minute, Messi received a big hit to his left ankle as he tried to put in a cross. The Rosario native was seen limping around and seemed to struggle, but was able to continue playing.

The second half continued at a........

© Buenos Aires Herald