Lautaro Martínez, the 26-year-old Inter Milan striker, etched his name in Argentine football history by scoring the decisive goal in their 1-0 victory over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final. His strike in the 112th minute of extra time secured Argentina’s record 16th Copa America title and their third consecutive major tournament triumph.
Martínez, who came on as a substitute in the 97th minute, made an immediate impact with his pace and movement. In the 112th minute, he latched onto a precise pass from Giovani Lo Celso and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, sending the Argentine fans at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami into a frenzy.
His goal not only sealed the victory for Argentina but also earned him the Golden Boot award as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals. Martínez’s heroics came at a crucial moment when Argentina were without their talisman, Lionel Messi, who had to be substituted in the 65th minute due to an ankle injury.
“Lautaro was the hero tonight,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. “He came on and made an immediate impact. His goal was a moment of pure class and composure. We’re so proud of him.”
Martínez’s journey to becoming an Argentine hero has been a remarkable one. Born in Bahía Blanca, a city in the south of Buenos Aires Province, he joined the youth academy of local club Liniers at the age of six. His talent and hard work soon caught the eye of scouts from bigger clubs, and he joined Racing Club’s youth setup in 2013.
After making his professional debut for Racing in 2017, Martínez quickly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in Argentine football. His performances caught the attention of European clubs, and in 2018, he made the move to Inter Milan, where he has since blossomed into one of the best strikers in the world.
Despite his success at club level, Martínez’s international career had been overshadowed by the presence of Messi and other established stars. However, his performances in the 2024 Copa America have proven that he is more than capable of stepping up on the biggest stage.
“Lautaro has always been a great player, but tonight he showed that he can be a match-winner,” said Messi. “He deserves all the praise he’s getting. I’m so proud of him and the whole team.”
With Messi’s future in the national team uncertain, Martínez’s emergence as a world-class striker could not have come at a better time for Argentina. His combination of pace, skill, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for opposition defenses, and he is sure to be a key player for Argentina in the years to come.