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JUST IN: Argentina wins Copa America title despite Lionel Messi’s injury

Published

9 months ago

July 15, 2024

JUST IN: Argentina wins Copa America title despite Lionel Messi’s injury

Argentina has won the Copa America trophy, defeating Colombia in the final.

Lautaro Martinez scored an extra-time winner to win a record 16th Copa America title for Argentina at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.

The ended in 1-0

A poor game which had been marred by security and crowd issues, forcing a 82-minute delay, was decided by a quality finish from Martinez — his fifth goal of the tournament.

There were tears before the celebrations though with Argentina captain Lionel Messi going off injured in the 66th minute watching the rest of the game distraught on the bench, while there was an emotional farewell for Angel Di Maria in his final game for the national team.

For Colombia, whose only title came in the 2001 Copa America, it was a disappointing night when little seemed to work for Nestor Lorenzo’s team.

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The win was the third straight major tournament title for Argentine following their 2021 Copa victory and their triumph in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

There was concern for Messi in the 36th minute when he dribbled to the byline but was halted by a sliding challenge from Santiago Arias which was ruled fair left the Argentine captain needing treatment.

Messi, who now plays his club football in Miami, then curled a free-kick in from the left flank but Nicolas Tagliafico’s header was just off target.

It had been a disappointing first half and it didn’t improve much after the break, when the fans had at least received some entertainment from Colombian singer Shakira.

Then came a major blow for Argentine hopes when Messi went down, without contact, as he ran in midfield, and clearly in pain he went off to be replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez in the 66th minute.

It was too much for Messi, in what may have been his last major tournament, as he sat in tears on the bench, unable to hold back his emotions.

JUST IN: Argentina wins Copa America title despite Lionel Messi’s injury

Related Topics:Argentina Copa America Featured messi

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Breaking: Virgil van Dijk signs new contract at Liverpool

Published

16 hours ago

April 17, 2025

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Virgil van Dijk

Breaking: Virgil van Dijk signs new contract at Liverpool

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two years contract that has now put an end to the questions about his future after months of speculation.

The 33-year-old Dutch center-back had been inside the final season of his previous deal, which was due to expire in the summer of 2025. But he has now penned an extension seven years after arriving from Southampton in a $95m (£75m/€90m) switch.

Van Dijk, who was named Liverpool captain when Jordan Henderson moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023, has played almost 300 games for the Reds.

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He has already won the Premier League and the Champions League.

Van Dijk always wanted to remain on Merseyside. “My very full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else,” he told reporters including from Liverpool.com in October.

“What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see. I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun.

“Discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys [the media] will know it as well. But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see.”

Breaking: Virgil van Dijk signs new contract at Liverpool

Sports

Arsenal stun Real Madrid to reach first UCL semi-final in 16 years

Published

22 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Trends Admin

Arsenal stun Real Madrid to reach first UCL semi-final in 16 years

Arsenal pulled off a historic victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, defeating Real Madrid 2-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate, to book their place in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009.

Mikel Arteta’s men delivered a composed and clinical performance in the Spanish capital. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the second half, redeeming himself after missing an earlier penalty. Vinícius Júnior responded with a goal for Madrid, offering the hosts a glimmer of hope.

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But Gabriel Martinelli sealed the deal with a late winner, ensuring Arsenal ended Real Madrid’s hopes of defending their title.

The Gunners now advance to face Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final clash.