Copa América USA 2024

(VIDEO) The amazing gesture Messi did for Di Maria who retired from Argentina after winning Copa America

Lionel Messi makes a kind gesture for Di Maria's last game with Argentina.

By Emmanuel Mendez

Lionel Messi and the rest of the Argentina national team celebrate with the Copa America trophy together. (Source: Messi Xtra X)
Lionel Messi and the rest of the Argentina national team celebrate with the Copa America trophy together. (Source: Messi Xtra X)
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Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team once again won another major international tournament under Lionel Scaloni. Messi won his second Copa America trophy with Argentina, but the moment was even bigger because of what the Inter Miami star did before the trophy was lifted. Messi knew that Angel Di Maria had just played his final game for Argentina. Messi was handed the Copa America trophy since he is the captain of the national team but before he lifted it, he asked Di Maria and Otamendi to lift it with him. Di Maria and Otamendi are the other captains of the national team and it was a kind gesture from the legend of Argentina. Di Maria was very happy with the gesture, and he left the national team with his third trophy with the national team in three years.

Di Maria played 117 minutes for Argentina in the Copa America final against Colombia. The Argentine legend was able to play throughout the match. He was very emotional when he was subbed off the pitch and was given a standing ovation. Di Maria spoke after the match and said, "I don't know what to say. I have many beautiful sensations in my body. I am eternally grateful to a generation that gave me everything. Today I am leaving this way. What could be better than this way, right?"

Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the match as Argentina won 1-0 in extra time. Martinez scored in the 112th minute as he was assisted by Giovani Lo Celso. He scored past Camilo Vargas in the box. Martinez was the top goalscorer for Argentina in Copa America and of the tournament, with five goals.

James Rodriguez won the Best Player of the tournament

Despite Argentina winning the Copa America USA 2024, James Rodriguez from Colombia was awarded the best player of the tournament award, who provided six assists throughout the tournament. Rodriguez created the most chances in the Copa America final with three but only played 90 minutes.


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