Lautaro Martinez's extra-time goal secured Argentina's 16th Copa America title with a 1-0 victory over Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. The match, which was marred by security and crowd issues causing an 82-minute delay, was decided by Martinez's fifth goal of the tournament.
This victory marked Argentina's third consecutive major tournament title, following their 2021 Copa America win and their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. However, the celebrations were bittersweet as Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi, left the game injured in the 66th minute and watched the rest of the match from the bench in distress. Additionally, Angel Di Maria played his final game for the national team, adding an emotional farewell to the occasion.
For Colombia, whose only Copa America title came in 2001, the night ended in disappointment as Nestor Lorenzo's team struggled to find their rhythm. The entry to the stadium was chaotic, with organizers blaming fans attempting to enter without tickets and fans criticizing the inefficiency of the entry system. Some fans required medical attention for heat exhaustion, but the situation was largely resolved when the gates were opened without checks, allowing the game to proceed.
Colombia's Jhon Cordoba hit the post with a speculative shot in the seventh minute, but neither team found their flow early on. Di Maria set up Messi in the 20th minute, but his shot was saved by Colombian keeper Camilo Vargas. Colombia looked more lively in the first half, with Jefferson Lerma forcing a diving save from Emiliano Martinez in the 33rd minute.
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There was concern for Messi in the 36th minute after a sliding challenge from Santiago Arias left him needing treatment. Despite his efforts, Messi had to be substituted in the 66th minute due to injury, and he watched the rest of the game in tears from the bench.
The second half offered little improvement in entertainment, though fans enjoyed a performance by Colombian singer Shakira. Argentina's defense struggled with a James Rodriguez corner, but Davinson Sanchez's header went over the bar. Di Maria then forced Vargas into action with a run from the left, but the Colombian keeper turned the ball wide.
Argentina thought they had a winner in the 75th minute when Nicolas Tagliafico found Nicolas Gonzalez in the box, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Extra time saw few chances, with a half-chance from Miguel Borja after a flick from Jorge Carrascal.
The game was ultimately decided by a moment of quality. Leandro Paredes won the ball in midfield with a perfectly timed tackle, passed to Giovani Lo Celso, whose first-time pass set up Martinez. The forward confidently fired home the winner, securing Argentina's Copa America victory.
