The Argentinians won the Copa 2024, defeating the Colombian national team 1-0 in extra time in the final. The winning goal in the 112th minute was scored by striker Lautaro Martínez. “Dybala was a very special guy to me, and the fact that I didn’t take him with me breaks my heart,” said Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of the Argentine national team. The 2024 Copa América final was a highly anticipated matchup between two of South America’s soccer powerhouses – Argentina and Colombia. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, were looking to claim their third Copa América title in the last four tournaments, having won in 2021 and 2023. Meanwhile, Colombia were seeking their first Copa América crown since 2001.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating numerous chances but failing to find the breakthrough in regulation time. It eventually went to extra time, where Argentina’s perseverance paid off. In the 112th minute, Lautaro Martínez, who had been a key contributor throughout the tournament, latched onto a through ball and slotted the ball past the Colombian goalkeeper to give the Argentinians the lead. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Argentine fans, who had made the trip to the host nation in large numbers. For Lionel Scaloni’s team, this victory was especially sweet, as they had overcome a number of challenges along the way. One notable absence from the squad was Paulo Dybala, who had been a regular fixture in the Argentine setup in recent years.
In his post-match comments, Scaloni expressed his heartbreak at having to leave Dybala out of the squad. “Dybala was a very special guy to me, and the fact that I didn’t take him with me breaks my heart,” the coach said. “He’s been a tremendous servant to the national team, and I’m sure he would have made a valuable contribution if he had been here. But we had to make some difficult decisions, and in the end, I believe we assembled the right group of players to get the job done.”
The win for Argentina marked their 16th Copa América title, cementing their status as the most successful national team in the competition’s history. For the players, it was a chance to etch their names in the annals of Argentine football, following in the footsteps of legendary teams such as the ones that won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986. As the Argentinian players and fans celebrated on the pitch, there was a sense of redemption after the disappointment of their early exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This triumph in the Copa América would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the team’s confidence and morale as they shifted their focus to the 2026 World Cup, where they will be looking to reclaim the title they last won nearly 40 years ago.
In the previous season, Paulo Dybala spent his time playing for AS Roma. Over the course of the campaign, he made a total of 39 appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing 10 assists. Dybala’s performances for Roma were a testament to his immense talent and versatility as a player. The Argentine forward has long been regarded as one of the most gifted attacking players in world football, and his move to the Italian capital in the summer of 2022 was seen as a coup for the club. Despite not being included in Argentina’s Copa América squad, Dybala continued to showcase his quality at the club level, playing a pivotal role in Roma’s push for a top-four finish in Serie A. His ability to create chances, link up play, and find the back of the net on a regular basis made him an indispensable part of José Mourinho’s team.
Dybala’s exclusion from the Argentine national team for the Copa América was a topic of much debate and discussion among fans and pundits alike. Many felt that his talent and experience could have been valuable assets for Lionel Scaloni’s side as they sought to defend their continental crown. However, Scaloni’s decision to leave Dybala out of the squad was likely based on a number of factors, including the coach’s preferred tactical setup and the form and fitness of the other players in the squad. Ultimately, Argentina were able to triumph without Dybala, underscoring the depth and quality of their squad.
Argentina’s victory in the 2024 Copa América cemented their status as the most successful national team in the history of the competition. With 16 titles, the Albiceleste have now pulled clear of their closest rivals, Uruguay, who have 15 Copa América triumphs to their name. Brazil, who have traditionally been one of the powerhouses of South American football, find themselves in third place with just 9 Copa América titles. This disparity in success between the three giants of the continent is a testament to the enduring quality and consistency of the Argentine national team. The 2024 triumph was especially significant for Argentina, as it came on the heels of their disappointing exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Copa América victory provided a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and confidence, and served as a reminder of their status as one of the premier national teams in world football.
As the focus now shifts to the 2026 World Cup, Argentina will be eager to build on their recent success and mount a serious challenge for the ultimate prize in international football. With a talented squad that includes the likes of Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, and a host of other exciting young players, the Albiceleste will be among the favorites to lift the trophy. However, they will face stiff competition from the likes of Brazil, France, England, and other top contenders, all of whom will be equally determined to emerge victorious. The road to the 2026 World Cup promises to be a thrilling one, and Argentina will need to be at their very best if they are to add to their considerable list of international honors.
