Controversy and emotion: Argentina is crowned champion of the 2024 Copa America.

In the final of the 2024 Copa America between Argentina and Colombia, which took place on Sunday, July 14 at the Hard Rock Stadium, the match was marked by a controversial play that sparked great controversy on the field and among the fans. With just a few minutes left in the game, a handball inside the Colombian penalty area by Cuesta was not penalized by the referee, triggering outrage on the Argentine substitutes' bench and among the supporters of the albiceleste. The showdown between Argentina and Colombia was not only anticipated as a final of the prestigious Copa America, but also for the direct confrontation between two footballing giants, Lionel Messi and James Rodríguez. Both players, key figures for their respective national teams, sought to shine in this decisive match and be crowned as the MVP of the 48th edition of the continental tournament. For Messi, this final represented an emotional moment, as at 37 years old he was bidding farewell to international competition after seven participations in the Copa America, with one title to his name. On the other hand, James Rodríguez, at 33 years old, was playing his first final in four participations with the Colombian national team, aiming to make history and lead his country to continental glory. Furthermore, the match held a special significance for Ángel Di María, who at 36 years old was donning the albiceleste jersey for the last time. The seasoned player had announced his retirement from the Argentine national team in November of last year, during the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, and was looking to bid farewell with one more title in his successful career representing his country. However, the play that marked the end of the match was the controversial handball by Cuesta in the Colombian penalty area, which was not penalized by the referee. This decision caused a stir in the stadium, with vehement protests from the Argentine players and the fans present who believed a clear foul had been committed in the area that should have been punished. Despite this controversy, the match ended in a draw and was decided in a penalty shootout, where Argentina ultimately clinched the title of the 2024 Copa America, adding another trophy to their successful history in the continental tournament. Despite the debate over the uncalled penalty incident, the albiceleste's celebration was filled with joy and emotion in the stadium, in an emotional finale that will be etched in the memories of fans and the protagonists of this historic final.