Argentina triumphed over Colombia 1-0 to clinch their record 16th Copa America title, thanks to an extra-time goal from Lautaro Martinez at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.
The match, disrupted by security and crowd issues causing an 82-minute delay, was ultimately decided by Martinez’s fifth goal of the tournament. This victory marks Argentina’s third consecutive major tournament win following their 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup successes.
However, the win came with a cost as captain Lionel Messi was forced to leave the field due to an injury in the 66th minute, visibly distressed while watching the remainder of the game from the bench. Angel Di Maria also had an emotional farewell, playing his final game for the national team.
Colombia, who last won the Copa America in 2001, had a disappointing performance. The game’s entry chaos, blamed by organizers on ticketless fans and by fans on inefficient entry systems, led to medical issues among attendees due to heat exhaustion. Eventually, the gates were opened without checks, allowing the game to proceed.
Early in the match, Colombia’s Jhon Corboba hit the post, but both teams struggled to find rhythm. Argentina’s Di Maria set up Messi for a shot in the 20th minute, but it was saved by Colombia’s keeper Camilo Vargas. Colombia’s Jefferson Lerma also forced a save from Emiliano Martinez with a long-range effort.
Messi’s injury in the 36th minute, following a challenge from Santiago Arias, raised concerns. Despite being ruled a fair tackle, Messi needed treatment. Argentina failed to capitalize on a free-kick opportunity, and the first half ended with little excitement.
The second half offered some entertainment with a performance by Colombian singer Shakira. Colombia’s James Rodriguez created a chance from a corner, but Davinson Sanchez missed the target with his header. Di Maria’s run and shot forced another save from Vargas, but Messi’s subsequent injury and exit overshadowed the match.
Messi, potentially in his last major tournament, was emotional as he watched from the bench. Argentina thought they had secured a win in the 75th minute through Nicolas Gonzalez, but the goal was ruled offside.
In extra time, a decisive moment came when Leandro Paredes’ tackle set up Giovani Lo Celso, who then assisted Martinez for the winning goal.
Despite the turbulent match and Messi’s injury, Argentina emerged victorious, celebrating another major tournament win.
