2024 Copa America Golden Ball: Player of tournament MVP plus prizes for Golden Glove, Golden Boot and Team of the Tournament

07-15-2024
4 min read
(Conmebol)

The curtain has fallen on Copa America 2024, as Argentina beat Colombia in extra time in the final in Miami.

The decider — although overshadowed by a lengthy delay caused by apparently ticketless fans breaching security at the Hard Rock Stadium and then an injury to Lionel Messi that left him in tears — brought to an end three weeks of spectacular football.

In a special edition of the tournament that featured 10 CONMEBOL representatives playing alongside six guests from CONCACAF, including the underperforming USA, there were goals to remember and individual performances to savor.

Now that the action is done, in addition to the Copa America trophy the organizers have also handed out a series of individual and team prizes to recognize those feats.

Here we look at the tournament's awards, including the Golden Ball for best player.

MORE: Relive all the action from the Copa America 2024 final Argentina vs. Colombia

2024 Copa America Golden Ball

The Best Player of the Tournament award is the highest honor an individual player can receive at the Copa America, and is otherwise known as the Golden Ball. The award recognizes the standout performer, who has consistently delivered exceptional performances throughout the competition.

Despite the Copa America's long history, the MVP award has actually only been around since 1987. Before that, a prize was given unofficially to the standout player.

Several players emerged as strong contenders this year, but it was James Rodriguez of Colombia who took home the prize. The 33-year-old enjoyed a career resurgence at these finals, although his tournament ended in despair, as like Messi he was forced off in the final with an injury

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2024 Copa America Golden Boot

The Golden Boot is awarded to the tournament's top scorer, with Lautaro Martinez capping off Argentina's sensational run to the final with five goals to take the award, including the winner in the title match.

Lautaro had to do some of his best work from the bench, scoring in the opening victory over Canada to set La Albiceleste on their way, before repeating the trick against Chile and then firing a double against Peru in a rare start.

He stepped off the bench to score again in extra time in the final, to give Argentina a record Copa America win.

Lautaro led Venezuela's Salomon Rondon, with three goals, in the Golden Boot standings, while a clutch of players scored twice.

2024 Copa America Golden Glove

The Golden Glove for best goalkeeper of the tournament was always likely to be dominated by one man. Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez has regularly been described by Lionel Messi as the best goalkeeper in the world, and he showed why this summer.

Granted, playing behind Argentina's rock-solid backline helps, but it was Martinez's heroics that got Argentina to the decider. He saved twice in the penalty shootout against Ecuador, just as La Albiceleste looked like they could be heading out. 

2024 Copa America Team of the Tournament

The Team of the Tournament award has been around since 2004, with Brazil and Argentina traditionally dominating those selected.

This year, following the Selecao's earlier-than-expected exit, there will likely be a dearth of Brazilian talent represented when the best 11 is announced in the aftermath of the competition, while it remains to be seen how many of Argentina's title winners make the cut.