Lionel Messi lifts 45th trophy of career as Argentina win Copa America

Lionel Messi has lifted the 45th trophy of his career after helping Argentina win a second Copa America in a row.

The South American side added to their World Cup triumph of two years ago by defeating Colombia in extra-time at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday night.

A goal deep into extra-time by Lautaro Martinez sealed a 1-0 win and a record-breaking 16th Copa America title.

Messi, who was forced off with an injury during the second-half, is the most decorated player of all time and has now captained Argentina to four consecutive trophies.

The win in Miami followed the 2021 Copa America success and the World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022 as well as the finalissima victory over then-European champions Italy.

🇦🇷 Lionel Messi, most decorated player with 45 titles including one more Copa América from tonight! ✨ pic.twitter.com/SXwpgGBesh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2024

Argentina will have a chance to retain that trophy, that is played between the winners of Copa America and winners of the Euros, when they take on newly crowned European champions Spain.

The match kicked off an hour and 20 minutes late after security closed gates at the stadium, which is also one of the sites for the 2026 World Cup, after fans attempted to enter without tickets.

When it did get underway, Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez had an early chance for the defending champions but Colombia made the brighter start with Liverpool’s Luis Diaz forcing an early save from Camilo Vargas while Jhon Cordoba struck a post.

Alvarez inadvertently blocked an effort from Messi, who went down with what looked like an ankle injury before the break but was able to swing in a free-kick which Nicolas Tagliafico headed over.

The second half saw both teams have spells on the front foot, but neither side were able to seize control – Angel di Maria, in his last international appearance, forcing a couple of saves from Vargas.

Messi went down again just after the hour and this time was unable to continue, limping off to watch on in tears from the bench.

His replacement Nicolas Gonzalez had a couple of chances while Di Maria was unable to sort his feet out to fashion a shot after Colombia gave the ball away cheaply.

Gonzalez had the best chance of the first period of extra time, but could only shoot straight at Vargas following Rodrigo De Paul’s cut back.

Lisandro Martinez produced an excellent block on Miguel Borja as time ran out and within moments Argentina were ahead.

De Paul won the ball near halfway, finding Lautaro Martinez who exchanged passes with fellow substitute Giovani Lo Celso and the tournament’s top scorer made no mistake with a clear view of Vargas’s goal to end Colombia’s run of 28 unbeaten games.

Inter Miami star Messi’s bulging trophy cabinet also includes ten La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues from his time at Barcelona and a record eight Ballon D’Ors.