Due to a goal in extra time from substitute Lautaro Martinez, the defending champion Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 to win a record 16th Copa America championship on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
After thousands of ticketless spectators attempted to enter the stadium, the game was postponed for nearly an hour. During the first ninety minutes, it was a cagey affair, but during the extra session, things heated up.

Highlights of Argentina vs Colombia

Argentina supporters went crazy when Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, lifted his effort over Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute after latching onto a brilliant through ball from Giovani Lo Celso.

After winning the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America, Argentina has now claimed its third title. This victory provides eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi with the ideal send-off in what is probably his final international competition.

Along with defender Nicolas Otamendi, 36, who had announced last year that he will retire from international football after the Copa, the victory also marked Angel di Maria’s final game for Argentina.

“In actuality, this was written in this manner,” Di Maria remarked. “I had a dream that I would make it to the championship game, win, and then retire in this manner.

The winger went on, “I am leaving in this manner with a title and I am eternally grateful to this generation. I have so many beautiful feelings.”

Colombia pressed high up the pitch to open the game, and in the seventh minute, Jhon Cordoba struck the crossbar. Later, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez denied long-range attempts from Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios.
After colliding with Santiago Arias in the 36th minute, Messi appeared to injure his ankle. Although he was able to stand up again after receiving treatment, he was obviously hindered for the rest of the half.

In the second half, Colombia resumed their attacking play, nearly scoring goals through Arias and Davinson Sanchez.

Argentina held their own admirably under duress, but they suffered a setback when Messi hobbled out in the 66th minute with an ankle injury.

“Messi had to leave because of that ankle problem, but finally we were able to give him some joy,” continued Di Maria, who at the presentation ceremony lifted the trophy with Otamendi and captain Messi.

Even though they kept becoming stronger and had a goal disallowed for offside, Colombia managed to hold on as the game proceeded into extra time.

In extra time, the reigning champion persisted in pressing, testing Vargas with a Nico Gonzalez shot before Martinez ultimately made the breakthrough.

“DESERVED MORE”
Argentina and Uruguay were equal on 15 Copa titles prior to Argentina’s victory, which put it ahead of the latter. It also put an end to Colombia’s record 28-game winning run, their previous loss coming in February 2022 against “La Albiceleste.”

“We thought we deserved more, and it stings to compete to win after a tournament that the entire squad toiled for. But we must give thanks to the people,” Sanchez, a defender for Colombia, added. “Columbia deserves everything, and we wanted to give the victory to them. We leave empty-handed, but we will continue.”

Colombia’s captain and midfielder James Rodriguez was voted player of the tournament, breaking Messi’s previous mark of five assists in a single Copa America. This was a small consolation for Colombia.

PRIVACY WORRIES
Videos that went viral on social media before to the game showed security fighting with supporters as they surged through the concourses and tried to break through the stadium gates.

The stadium, which will host games during the 2026 World Cup, was seen by Reuters to be emptying out a number of people, and players said their families were unable to enter due to the commotion outside.

Numerous organisational problems have tarnished the competition. Earlier this week, Uruguay’s players got into fights with Colombian supporters, and an assistant referee had to be taken to the hospital after passing out during a match in the group stage due to extreme heat and humidity.

Congratulations to Argentina team to winning the Copa America final Argentina Vs Colombia

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