Argentina’s 2024 Soccer Highlights a Year of Surprises
The 2024 Argentine soccer season ended thrillingly with Estudiantes de La Plata’s exciting win in the Trofeo de Campeones. The year showed changing champions, memorable events, and the hope of a bright future for the nation’s cherished sport.
Estudiantes and Vélez Share Spotlight
Two teams dominated the domestic soccer scene 2024: Vélez Sarsfield and Estudiantes de La Plata. Vélez clinched the Torneo de la Liga in a nail-biting finish to the year, while Estudiantes captured the Copa de la Liga during the first semester. Their paths crossed again in the Trofeo de Campeones in Santiago del Estero, where Estudiantes emerged victoriously with a resounding 3-0 win.
Gustavo Quinteros, Vélez’s head coach, led his team to three finals this year, though they faced heartbreak in both the Copa de la Liga and Copa Argentina. For Estudiantes, it was a season of near dominance, as the team added two significant trophies to their storied history but fell short in the Supercopa Argentina against River Plate earlier in the year.
River Plate’s Struggles and Racing’s Redemption
River Plate faced a tough year, which was saved only by their win in the Supercopa Argentina. The team’s performance declined under Martín Demichelis, with losses in the quarterfinals of the Copa de la Liga and the round of 16 in the Copa Argentina. Marcelo Gallardo’s return as head coach late in the season saw River improve but fall short in critical moments, finishing fifth in the Torneo de la Liga and losing in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores.
Meanwhile, Racing Club basked in international glory, ending a 36-year drought by winning the Copa Sudamericana. Guided by Gustavo Costas, Racing won against Cruzeiro in the final, establishing their presence on the continental stage. Diego Milito became club president, and Racing extended Costas’ contract, showing stability and dreams for the future.
Boca’s Disappointment and San Lorenzo’s Struggles
Boca Juniors had another disappointing year without winning trophies and faced difficulties in local and international tournaments. They reached the semifinals of the Copa de la Liga and Copa Argentina. Still, their unstable performance under two head coaches ‒ Diego Martínez and Fernando Gago ‒ kept them in sixth place in the league. They almost reached the first rounds of the 2025 Copa Libertadores. Fans still hope things get better.
San Lorenzo had an even worse year. The club struggled in all three domestic contests and left the Copa Libertadores in the round of 16. The team had four head coaches during the season, ending with Miguel Ángel Russo. This lack of steady leadership showed more significant organizational problems.
Rising Stars and Breakout Performances
While established teams struggled, new champions and fresh talents emerged to redefine Argentine soccer in 2024. Central Córdoba de Santiago del Estero made history by winning the Copa Argentina, defeating Vélez in the final. The victory represented a huge success for the club and displayed the rich talent in Argentine football.
Claudio Aquino from Vélez Sarsfield was praised as the best player of the season. Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez from Racing ended as the top scorer with 20 goals. Emerging talents such as goalkeepers Claudio Marchiori and Matías Mansilla (Vélez), defenders Valentín Gómez (Vélez) and Kevin Lomónaco (Independiente), and midfielders Thiago Fernández (Vélez) and Juan Ignacio Nardoni (Racing) signaled a bright future for Argentine soccer.
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A Year of Resilience and Change
As 2024 ends, Argentine soccer is changing, mixing old ways with new ideas. Estudiantes and Vélez led the way, but new winners like Central Córdoba and talented newcomers across the league showed that the sport is exciting because you never know what will happen. Clubs are choosing new strategies, and many new players are shining, setting up a thrilling 2025. Argentina’s love for soccer is still powerful, and everyone in the country looks forward to the next part of its football story.
