Defending champions Argentina clinched a record 16th Copa America title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. The match, which faced delays due to thousands of ticketless fans attempting to enter the stadium, was decided by a dramatic extra-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez.
The game, characterized by its tactical intensity, remained scoreless through regular time. However, Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, made his mark in the 112th minute. He capitalized on a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso, lifting the ball over Colombia’s goalkeeper Camilo Vargas to spark ecstatic celebrations among the Argentine supporters.
This triumph adds to Argentina’s recent successes, including their 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America victories. The win is particularly significant for Lionel Messi, who is expected to retire from international football following the tournament, providing him with a fitting sendoff. The match also marked the likely end of international careers for Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi, both 36 years old.
Di Maria, who had announced his retirement from international football, expressed his joy: “I dreamed it, I dreamed that I would arrive to the final and win it and retire in this way. I am eternally grateful to this generation and today I am leaving in this way with a title.”
Colombia began the match aggressively, with Jhon Cordoba hitting the post early on and Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios forcing saves from Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez. Messi, who suffered an ankle injury in the 36th minute, was forced to limp off in the 66th minute, a blow to Argentina’s hopes.
Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina continued to push forward. A disallowed goal for offside and a strong save from Vargas kept Colombia in the contest until Martinez’s decisive strike. Argentina’s victory also ended Colombia’s 28-match unbeaten streak, with their last defeat coming against Argentina in February 2022.
Colombia’s James Rodriguez, who provided six assists during the tournament, was named player of the tournament, surpassing Messi’s previous record of five assists in a single Copa America edition.
The final was marred by organizational issues, including a video of security scuffles with fans and reports of families of players being caught up in the chaos outside the stadium. The tournament has faced several logistical challenges, including clashes between Uruguay’s players and Colombian fans, and an assistant referee collapsing during a group-stage match.
Despite the disruptions, Argentina’s victory solidifies their place as the dominant force in South American football.
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