Lionel Messi pumped his arms as he held the Copa America trophy, celebrating Argentina’s record 16th title after a 1-0 victory over Colombia on Sunday night. Even though Messi injured his leg in the 64th minute, his leadership was vital, as Lautaro Martínez scored the game-winning goal in the 112th minute.
Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni proclaimed Leo to be the best player of all time. Although he had covered his face in anger earlier, Messi continued to be an uplifting presence as he watched from the bench. Once Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten record was broken, Martínez rushed over to embrace his 37-year-old captain.
Argentina won the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup in a row, so this was their third big trophy in a row.
After the play was postponed due to crowd unrest, Martínez finally came on in the 97th minute and sealed the victory with a goal scored off a ball from Giovani Lo Celso. Due to oppressive humidity, Colombian coach Néstor Lorenzo saw his players experience severe cramps. In what may have been his final Copa America performance, Messi demonstrated his unwavering commitment despite his injuries by lifting his arms in triumph as Argentina won the title.
