In the tumultuous Copa America final between Colombia and Argentina, Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister had a duel to remember, with Argentina winning 1-0 thanks to an extra-time goal.

The two Liverpool stars fought throughout the game, with Diaz and MacAllister having golden chances to put their team ahead. Diaz and Mac Allister both led his clubs to the brink of victory in a game rich in drama and history.

Prior to the event, Mac Allister and Argentina were expected to defeat his teammate in the final. Given Argentina’s recent success, particularly its victory in the 2022 World Cup, Mac Allister’s team had the enthusiasm and expertise to add a 16th Copa America championship to its trophy cabinet.

To begin the final, Diaz appeared to have more zest as he attempted to energise his team to its first Copa America victory in more than 20 years. Diaz received a pass from Richard Rios right outside the box around five minutes into the game, and the 27-year-old quickly attempted to create something.

Diaz sent the ball just past an Argentinian defender, but Emiliano Martinez comfortably saved the shot, which was Colombia’s first attempt on goal of the night. When he wasn’t attacking the Argentine defence, the attacker did everything he could to keep the momentum going.

With the ball rushing out of play, Diaz dashed past it, masterfully back-tapping it to his teammate to create another opportunity. In contrast, Mac Allister had played more cautiously, allowing for the game to come to him, which included a hard tackle on Jhon Cordoba.

Argentina’s midfielder #20 Alexis Mac Allister competes for the ball with Colombia’s striker #07 Luis Diaz during the Conmebol 2024 Copa America tournament final football match between Argentina and Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on July 14, 2024.

The second half began with MacAllister’s team nearly scoring. Three minutes into the second half, Mac Allister made a move into the area and attempted to score, but Camilo Vargas snuffed out the midfielder’s chances.

Then, in the 56th minute, Mac Allister and Angel Di Maria nearly linked on a goal, with the former heading a ball that appeared to be blocked by a Colombian arm. Diaz stayed aggressive, using his speed to cause havoc on the defence.

Argentina’s star Lionel Messi was substituted in the 66th minute due to an injury, forcing Mac Allister to play an even more pivotal role. The Argentine icon was witnessed in tears on the bench after being replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez, who continued his aggressive but clean performance.

Mac Allister was eventually replaced by Leandro Paredes in the 97th minute, with Diaz remaining in the game. Throughout extra time, both teams appeared to be conserving energy, with the Miami heat taking its toll on the players, resulting in a scoreless session.

Diaz’s night ended soon before the start of the second extra session, with manager Nestor Lorenzo opting to start Miguel Borja instead. It was highlighted that, despite Diaz’s ability on the pitch, his penalty track record left much to be desired, prompting the decision to withdraw the star.

In the end, Lautaro Martinez replaced Julian Alvarez and scored a right-footed effort from the centre of the box to make it 1-0 in the 112th minute, his fifth goal of the tournament, the most among all players. Argentina won its 16th Copa America title, the most ever, owing to Mac Allister’s play and Martinez’s goal.