Copa America 2024 awards: Golden Boot, Golden Glove and Most Assists

In Sunday's Copa America 2024 final, Argentina overcame Colombia to win its 16th championship and establish itself as the most successful nation in the competition's history.  With a combined total of 15 Copa America championships, Uruguay and La Albiceleste stood neck and neck as the continent's most successful teams heading into this competition. During the 2024 edition, Uruguay was only able to finish third, while Argentina went above to shatter the record.

Colombian captain James Rodriguez won the "Best Player" prize in the post-final awards presentation. With six assists, he recorded the most assists by a player in a single edition. The Golden Boot and Golden Glove trophies went to Argentina's Lautaro Martinez (five goals) as well as Emiliano Martinez (five clean sheets). 

Angel di Maria retires from International football!

Copa America champion Angel Di Mar­ia, also referred to as "El Fideo," is a legendary Argentine football player who recently announced his retirement from the Argentina national team. Di Mar­a departs the Albiceleste, concluding an incredible 16-year international tenure with back-to-back continental crowns, leaving a history full of both victories and setbacks.

Throughout four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022), the 36-year-old winger made a substantial impact for Argentina. He was a key member of the squad that advanced to the Brazil World Cup final in 2014 and won the tournament in Qatar in 2022. Di Mar­a endured the pain of close losses in Copa América contests, placing second in 2015 and 2016 before winning big in 2021. 

He spoke after the game and gave his farewell message as he said, "It was my dream to retire from the national team like this. Argentina is my love and my country. Thank you."

Beyond his achievements with the national team, Di Mar­a had an early influence on Argentine football. He participated in the team that captured the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007 and won an Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008. Over the course of his career as an international, Di Mar­a participated in over 144 games and scored 31 goals. His achievements include a bronze medal during the 2019 Copa America, a runner-up position at the 2014 World Cup, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2021 Copa America. He also rejoiced after his country won the UEFA Cup of Nations in 2022.