The chaotic scenes at the Copa America final will be an enduring memory of the 2024 tournament but it should not be forgotten that the month leading up to that point was full of excitement and drama. Argentina ran out as back-to-back champions but Canada came close, while hosts the United States suffered a hugely disappointing early exit. Advertisement So, which were the standout moments? What could have been better? And what lessons can be learned for the men’s World Cup in the U.
S., Canada and Mexico in 2026? All that and more has been dissected by our team of writers who covered the tournament. Let’s get started with an easy one.
.. Player of the tournament Greg O’Keeffe : James Rodriguez ’s twilight international phase is playing in eye-popping technicolor.
In a free role behind the attack, the 32-year-old’s performances for Colombia revived memories of the 2014 World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot. His six assists — more than any other player — put him top for goal involvements (seven) and key passes (17). Stuart James : Rodriguez.
I didn’t expect much from him beforehand, bearing in mind his club career has drifted so badly over the past few years. But he was wonderful to watch — it really was like pressing rewind to that 2014 World Cup. Five assists in his first four games? Wow.
And his set-piece delivery was the best I’ve ever seen at a tournament. Felipe Cardenas : I covered Argentina exclusively at this Copa America . Lionel Messi wasn’t grea.
