Page 93 - Soccer360 Issue 107

COPA AMERICA 2024 REVIEW
GOAL SCORING LEADERS
Martínez ARG (5) Rondón VNZ (3) Álvarez ARG (2) Júnior BRA (2) David CAN (2) Cordoba COL (2) Diaz COL (2) Lerma COL (2) Munoz COL (2) Fajardo PAN (3) Balogan USA (2) Araujo URU (2)
AWARD WINNERS
BEST PLAYER
James Rodriguez
COL
GOLDEN BOOT
Lautauro Martinez
ARG
BEST GOALIE
Emiliano Martinez
ARG
FAIR PLAY
Colombia
succeeded using their patient build-up approach and taking their chances at goal when they could. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was once again on point making multiple saves to earn his fifth shutout of the tournament and the Golden Gloves award. Lautaro Martinez sealed the result just before penalties with a low curling effort late into the evening.
While winning the Copa America title was important, it was perhaps equally important what the Copa America represented as
they build for the 2026 World Cup. After finally winning the 2024 World Cup it was thought that there would be a changing of
the guard within Argentina with some of the older generation of players finally calling it a day. At least on the attack that seemed to finally be happening. Lionel Messi was certainly a key role in their Copa run, but so too were Lautaro and Julian Alvarez, who added two goals. Angel Di Maria was at the Copa America but played more of a support role through their run and was given his justifiable flowers after he announced his retirement.
Argentina’s Copa victory, coupled with
their win in 2022 and their 2024 World Cup titles, further cements their role as the top team in the world as of this moment. The
question is now: how long can they hold
it? While the youth revolution has started they still heavily rely upon the likes of Messi (36). Nicolas Otamendi (36), and Marcos Acuna (32). While they are still performing at a high level, the question is for how long. World Cup cycles can be long, drawn out affairs and relying upon veterans can be helpful at times, but in others (particularly in jam packed qualifying weekends)
can be a challenge. How Lionel Scaloni chooses to use his seasoned veterans will determine Argentina’s chances at a second consecutive World Cup title.
SOCCER360 91
LEFT (Top to Bottom): Lautauro Martinez celebrates with his Golden Boot award.
Colombia’s Rodriguez celebrates with his player of the tournament award.
Emi Martinez with his Golden Glove award
RIGHT TOP:
Lautauro Martinez celebrates with his family
RIGHT MIDDLE:
De Paul celebrates with his children
RIGHT BOTTOM:
Di Maria retired from the Argentina National Team on a high note.