Lautaro Martinez netted an extra-time winner as Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 to clinch a record 16th Copa America title at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. The victory marked the third consecutive major tournament title for Lionel Messi and his team, following their 2021 Copa America win and their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
In a match with few chances and marred by security and crowd issues, resulting in an 82-minute delay, Martinez’s quality finish as a substitute decided the game. Martinez finished the tournament as the top scorer with five goals.
There were emotional moments before the celebrations, with Argentina captain Lionel Messi going off injured in the 66th minute and watching the rest of the game from the bench. It was also a poignant farewell for Angel Di Maria in his final game for the national team.
For Colombia, whose only title came in the 2001 Copa America and who were unbeaten in 28 games, it was a disappointing night. Nestor Lorenzo’s team struggled to find their rhythm.
Chaos surrounded entry to the stadium for fans, with organizers blaming supporters for trying to enter without tickets, while fans criticized the inefficient entry system. Some fans needed medical attention for heat exhaustion, but after the decision to open the gates with no checks, the situation largely resolved, and the game proceeded.
Colombia’s Jhon Cordoba hit the bottom of the post with a speculative shot in the seventh minute, but neither side could find their rhythm early on. Di Maria found Messi in the 20th minute with a low ball into the box, but Messi’s left-foot shot was saved by Colombia keeper Camilo Vargas.
Colombia looked more lively in the opening period and went close in the 33rd minute when Jefferson Lerma’s low drive forced Emiliano Martinez into a diving save. Concern arose for Messi in the 36th minute when he was halted by a sliding challenge from Santiago Arias, needing treatment afterward.
In the second half, fans were entertained by Colombian singer Shakira during the break. Argentina failed to deal with a James Rodriguez corner, and Davinson Sanchez’s header floated over the bar. Di Maria then forced Vargas into action with a trademark run, turning the ball wide of the post.
A major blow came for Argentina when Messi went down without contact in the 66th minute and was replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez. Messi sat in tears on the bench, possibly in his last major tournament. The Argentine fans thought they had a winner in the 75th minute when Tagliafico found Gonzalez in the box, who beat Vargas with a low drive, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Extra time saw a half-chance for Miguel Borja after a flick from Jorge Carrascal, but the game was settled by a worthy winner. Leandro Paredes won the ball in midfield for Argentina with a perfectly timed tackle, found Giovani Lo Celso, whose first-time pass was perfect for the on-running Martinez, who confidently fired home the winner.
Di Maria, who had left the field for the last time in an Argentina shirt to huge applause, said the team’s ‘Triple Crown’ achievement needed to be appreciated.
“It seems easy, but it is very difficult. I know this because I experienced the other side for 10, 11 years as well. It’s not easy to get to the finals and win them,” he said.
Colombia’s Argentine coach Lorenzo said his team had struggled physically.
“The boys felt the effort of the whole tournament a little, they played six games in 21 days,” he noted, adding that several players had struggled with cramp in the latter stages.