Argentina team, with their star player Lionel Messi, celebrates the winning moment (Credits: Reuters)
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Prachi Mishra, Pune

Argentina clinched its 16th Copa America title, by defeating Colombia 1-0, during the extra time provided to draw a result. The CONMEBOL Copa America, popularly known as the Copa America, is the oldest international men’s quadrennial football tournament. This year, the 48th edition of the tournament was held in the United States from June 20 to July 14.

The final match was played between Argentina and Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The match started more than half an hour after the scheduled time, due to the security-induced delays as fans in huge numbers turned up to watch the match without tickets. The match was a perfect fit for the finale, with both teams struggling and trying to score their first goal throughout the 90 minutes of the play. Lautaro Martinez, the Argentine striker, stepped up at the very last minute and scored the winning goal.

It is speculated that it could be the last international match for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi and there could have been no better send-off then making him the most decorated player in the history of football with 45 team trophies. Earlier this record was held by Brazil’s Dani Alves.

The match followed a meandering path throughout with Messi injuring his ankle in the first half of the tournament itself. Even though he remained on the field, it became difficult for him to stand any longer and he took the benches for the entire second half. Visuals from the match and Messi’s swollen ankle have been taking rounds on the internet, where an inconsolable Messi cheering for his team could be seen.

Messi himself has six European Golden Boots to his name, with 838 goals and 374 assists. Out of the 45 titles, he has bagged a total of 39 titles in his extremely successful club career with his greatest tenure of 17 years with Barcelona. His achievements also include the 2005 U-17 World Cup, the 2008 and 2022 Olympics among many others.

Football greats Angel di Maria (Argentine right winger or attacking midfielder) and Nicolas Otamendi (Argentine defender -Centre back), both 36, are also set to retire from the International Games.