By Max Mallow
Copa America 2024 is in the books. Argentina is champion once again sitting atop the world rankings with the most Copa Americas won in the competition's history.
The number one team in the world was always the favorite coming into this summer. La Albiceleste was rarely troubled throughout its run never trailing in the competition. Winning this year's competition meant that the country has now won three major international trophies in a row winning Copa America in 2021, the World Cup in 2022, and now this year's event. A historic feat for a team that looks to win back-to-back World Cups in less than two years time.
La Albiceleste's stars also cleaned up with individual awards at the event, though a player from its final competition won the Golden Ball.
Copa America 2024 Golden Boot winner: Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Redemption for Lautaro. After tons of criticism in Qatar and fans around the world saying they won in spite of his performances, the Inter Milan striker lifted the Golden Boot. He scored five goals this summer including the tournament winner in extra time against Los Cafeteros.
Martinez has been one of the best strikers in Europe for years winning Serie A, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana titles with Inter. His performances at the 2022 World Cup, along with the rise of Manchester City's Julian Alvarez saw the striker lose his starting position. Though, after this summer, he's quieted the doubters and haters whether starting or off the bench.
Copa America 2024 Golden Glove winner: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
What is there to say about Dibu Martinez that hasn't been said already? Another international tournament, another Golden Glove. Three straight Golden Gloves at international competitions for the Aston Villa man has cemented himself as an Argentinian legend.
The meteoric rise he's been on since his last season at Arsenal winning the FA Cup and Community Shield to helping Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League this past Premier League season has been one of the best stories in the sport.
Copa America 2024 Golden Ball winner: James Rodriguez (Sao Paulo)
If James Rodriguez announced himself to the world at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, this summer he reminded the world why he's such a talented and special player.
The Sao Paulo player won the Golden Ball signifying himself as the best player of the tournament, a consolation prize after heartbreak in the final. James assisted six times in the tournament, four more than Nicolas de la Cruz and Alexis Mac Allister.
He also overtook Radamel Falcao this tournament as the fourth-most capped player in Los Cafeteros history. A remarkable tournament for the player despite it ending in disappointment.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Copa America 2024 awards: Golden Boot, Glove and Ball winners.
