A aim deep into extra-time by Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina a 1-0 win over Colombia and a record-breaking sixteenth Copa America title.
Argentina misplaced a tearful Lionel Messi to damage halfway by the second half of a sport delayed by greater than an hour by crowd points, however Martinez got here off the bench within the further half-hour to make sure his captain would raise a 3rd successive main trophy.
The win in Miami adopted 2021 Copa America success and the World Cup triumph in 2022.
Messi along with his winner’s medal
The match kicked off an hour and 20 minutes late after safety closed gates on the Arduous Rock Stadium, one of many websites for the 2026 World Cup, after followers tried to enter the stadium with out tickets.
When it did get below manner, Manchester Metropolis’s Julian Alvarez had an early probability for the defending champions however Colombia made the brighter begin with Liverpool’s Luis Diaz forcing an early save from Camilo Vargas whereas Jhon Cordoba struck a put up.
Alvarez inadvertently blocked an effort from Messi, who went down with what appeared like an ankle damage earlier than the break however was capable of swing in a free-kick which Nicolas Tagliafico headed over.
Messi needed to be withdrawn within the second half on account of damage
The second half noticed each groups have spells on the entrance foot, however neither aspect have been capable of seize management – Angel Di Maria, in his final worldwide look, forcing a few saves from Vargas.
Messi went down once more simply after the hour and this time was unable to proceed, limping off to observe on in tears from the bench.
Lionel Messi was visibly emotional after being pressured off in Copa America remaining
Gonzalez had the perfect probability of the primary interval of extra-time, however might solely shoot straight at Vargas following Rodrigo De Paul’s cut-back.
Lisandro Martinez produced a wonderful block on Miguel Borja as time ran out and inside moments Argentina have been forward.
De Paul gained the ball close to midway, discovering Lautaro Martinez who exchanged passes with fellow substitute Giovani Lo Celso and the event’s high scorer made no mistake to finish Colombia’s run of 28 unbeaten video games.
Overcrowding mars remaining
Colombia followers wait to enter the stadium after kick-off was delayed for over an hour
South American soccer’s governing physique CONMEBOL pushed the beginning time of the match again thrice after movies on social media confirmed safety struggling with followers as they ran throughout the concourses and tried to breach the gates of the Arduous Rock Stadium.
In keeping with experiences, a number of folks have been ejected from the stadium by safety employees on the venue, which is able to host matches through the 2026 World Cup.
“It was hard because many had their families outside, they didn’t know what was going on,” Argentina and Tottenham defender Cristian Romero advised reporters. “It didn’t seem like a final, there was a lot of commotion and a lot of concern.”
A Arduous Rock Stadium assertion, launched on Monday, learn: “Throughout the afternoon and evening, there were numerous attempts by unruly fans without tickets to overpower security and law enforcement personnel at entry points to the stadium, putting themselves, other fans and security and stadium staff at extreme risk.
“Numerous stadium gates have been closed and re-opened strategically in an try to permit ticketed friends to enter safely and in a managed method. Followers continued to interact in unlawful conduct – preventing law enforcement officials, breaking down partitions and barricades and vandalising the stadium, inflicting important harm to the property.
“When it became apparent that it would not be safe to start the match at 8pm, a joint decision was made to postpone. Shortly after 8pm, stadium officials, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and law enforcement officers communicated and decided to open stadium gates for a short period of time to all fans to prevent stampedes and serious injury at the perimeter. The gates were then closed once the threat of fans being crushed was alleviated. At that time, the venue was at capacity and gates were not re-opened.”
Sky Sports activities Information has contacted FIFA and CONMEBOL for additional remark.
