Reliving Argentina’s glorious moments in Copa América
As Argentina prepares to face Ecuador in the Copa América 2024 quarterfinal, fans can’t help but reminisce about the legendary battles that have defined Argentina's illustrious history in this prestigious tournament. Let's take a journey through time and celebrate the epic encounters that have solidified La Albiceleste's legacy in Copa América history.
Fire up the DeLorean, because we’re travelling back 103 years to October 1921. The fifth edition of the South American Championship saw Argentina host the tournament in Buenos Aires, marking a pivotal moment in football history.
Until then, Uruguay had been the dominant force, winning three of the first four editions. Argentina, however, turned the tide with a performance that would be the start of their footballing legacy. Julio Libonatti emerged as the hero, scoring in all three matches, and the final against Uruguay was no exception. A solitary goal from Libonatti sealed a 1-0 victory, crowning Argentina as South American champions for the first time.
Fast forward to 1947, when the competition, still known as the South American Championship, evolved into a round-robin format featuring eight teams. Argentina travelled to Ecuador as the favourites, a status they justified with a spectacular campaign.
A teenage Alfredo Di Stéfano shines, netting six goals in six games, as Argentina clinches their third consecutive Copa América title in 1947 // Picture Courtesy – Football Makes History
La Albiceleste dominated, winning six out of seven matches and drawing one, scoring a staggering 28 goals while conceding just four. Among the stars was a teenage Alfredo Di Stéfano, who netted six goals in six games, including a hat-trick against Colombia. Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Uruguay was a standout, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical superiority. This win secured Argentina's third consecutive title, a record that remains unmatched.
The year is 1959, and Argentina is hosting the Copa América for the first time in 13 years. Expectations were sky-high as the defending champions aimed to continue their dominance. The tournament saw Argentina steamrolling the opposition, including a 6-1 thrashing of Chile, setting up a decisive encounter against Brazil.
Juan José Pizzuti scores against Brazil in a thrilling 1-1 draw that secured Argentina's Copa América title in 1959 // Picture Courtesy -- Diario Cuarto Poder
Brazil, the newly crowned World Cup champions, were formidable opponents. In a tense match, Juan José Pizzuti gave Argentina the lead, only for 19-year-old Pelé to equalise. The 1-1 draw was enough for Argentina to clinch the title, thanks to their superior overall performance.
Jump to 1993, a year that marked a new era for the Copa América with the introduction of teams from outside CONMEBOL and a knockout phase. Argentina, having won their 13th title two years earlier, faced a challenging path in Ecuador.
Gabriel Batistuta's brace leads Argentina to a 2-1 victory over Mexico in the 1993 Copa América final, marking a new era of success // Picture Courtesy – Facts.net
After a shaky group stage, Argentina scraped through a penalty shootout against Brazil in the quarterfinals, followed by another nerve-wracking shootout win against Colombia in the semi-finals. The final pitted them against debutants Mexico. Gabriel Batistuta’s brace secured a 2-1 victory, allowing Argentina to retain the trophy and solidify their status as a footballing powerhouse.
Lastly, we revisit the most recent edition of Copa América in 2021. Argentina, burdened by a 28-year trophy drought and a string of near misses, were determined to end their barren run. Led by Lionel Scaloni, they navigated through the knockout stages, with Emi Martínez’s heroics in the semi-final penalty shootout against Colombia setting up a final clash with hosts Brazil.
Ángel Di María ends Argentina's 28-year trophy drought // Picture Courtesy – Pinterest
At the Maracanã, Ángel Di María’s first-half strike proved decisive. Argentina held on to defeat Brazil 1-0, ending their long wait for silverware. For Lionel Messi, it was a career-defining moment, finally securing international glory.
