Argentina wins Copa America for a record 16th time defeating Colombia

Argentina wins 16th Copa America title by defeating Colombia 1-0. Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive extra time goal on Sunday. After the final was delayed for over an hour due to thousands of ticketless fans attempting to enter the stadium.

Martinez coming off the bench in extra time latched onto a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso and lifted his shot over advancing Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute sparking wild celebrations at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.

Argentina’s latest title follows their victories at the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America providing eight time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi with a perfect sendoff in what is likely his final international tournament.

Argentina wins record ahead of Uruguay with 16 Copa America titles marked Angel Di Maria’s final international match. Defender Nicolas Otamendi 36 is also expect to retire from international play.

This was meant to be said the 36 year old Di Maria. I dreamed of reaching the final winning it and retiring like this. I have so many wonderful emotions and am eternally grateful to this generation. Leaving with a title feels perfect.

CONMEBOL delayed the match’s start three times due to security clashes with fans attempting to breach the stadium gates. A witness saw security ejecting several people from the stadium which is set to host 2026 World Cup matches.

It was difficult because many people had their families outside and didn’t know what was happening. Argentina’s Cristian Romero told TyC Sports. It didn’t feel like a final there was a lot of commotion and concern.

The tournament had already been plague by several organizational issues.

Earlier this week Uruguay’s players clash with Colombian fans. And an assistant referee had to be hospitalize after collapsing due to hot and humid conditions while officiating a group stage match.

TENSE ENCOUNTER

Colombia began the match with high pressing with Jhon Córdoba hitting the post in the seventh minute. Emiliano Martinez made saves on long range efforts from Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios.

Messi seemed to injure his ankle in the 36th minute after colliding with Santiago Arias. Though he got back on his feet after receiving treatment he was visibly hamper for the rest of the half.

In the second half Colombia attacked again with Arias and Davinson Sanchez nearly scoring. Argentina handled the pressure well but suffered a setback in the 66th minute when Messi limped off due to his ankle injury.

Messi had to leave because of that ankle problem but finally we were able to give him some joy said Di Maria. Who lifted the trophy with Messi and Otamendi.

Argentina grew into the contest and had a goal disallowed for offside. The match went to extra time where they continued to push forward. Nico Gonzalez tested Vargas with a shot before Martinez the tournament’s leading scorer finally broke through.

DESERVED MORE

The defeat ended Colombia’s record 28 match unbeaten streak under Nestor Lorenzo with their last loss also against Argentina in February 2022.

It hurts after all the effort we put in. We felt we deserved more said defender Sanchez reflecting on Colombia’s dashed hopes of winning their first Copa America title since 2001. We wanted to give the victory to a country that deserves it but we leave empty handed and will move on.

Colombia captain James Rodriguez was name player of the tournament with six assists breaking Messi’s record of five in a single Copa America edition.