Argentina crowned Copa America champions for record 16th time after defeating Colombia
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MIAMI GARDENS – Argentina won a record 16th Copa America title by beating Colombia 1-0, thanks to an extra-time goal from Lautaro Martinez on July 14 after the final was delayed for over an hour due to thousands of ticketless fans trying to get into the stadium.
Martinez, who came off the bench in extra time, latched onto a precise through ball from Giovani lo Celso before lifting his effort over advancing Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute to spark wild celebrations at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
Argentina’s latest title comes on the back of their triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America, and gives eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi the perfect send-off in what is likely his last international tournament.
The win, which saw Argentina move ahead of Uruguay after the pair had been tied on 15 Copa titles, marked Angel di Maria’s final international match. Defender Nicolas Otamendi, 36, is also set to end his international career.
“The truth is, this was written, it was this way. I dreamt that I would arrive to the final and win it and retire in this way,” the 36-year-old di Maria said.
“I have so many beautiful feelings and I am eternally grateful to this generation and today I am leaving in this way with a title.”
South American football’s governing body Conmebol pushed the start time of the match back three times after videos on social media showed security scuffling with fans as they ran across the concourses and attempted to breach the gates of the stadium.
A Reuters witness saw several people being ejected from the stadium by security staff at the venue, which will host matches during the 2026 World Cup.
“It was hard because many had their families outside, they didn’t know what was going on,” Argentina defender Cristian Romero told TyC Sports.
“It didn’t seem like a final, there was a lot of commotion and a lot of concern.”
Colombia’s Argentine coach Nestor Lorenzo added of the 82-minute delay: “I think we had a very good build-up to the game but then some unusual situations started to happen.
“(The players) warmed up, cooled down, warmed up again, before the kick-off. Then we had 25 minutes of half-time, strange things for both teams.”
Argentina’s Lionel Messi (left) and Lisandro Martinez celebrate after winning the final.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The extended interval was to allow for a show from Colombian singer Shakira.
The tournament had already been marred by a number of organisational issues.
Uruguay’s players were involved in clashes with Colombian fans on July 10, while an assistant referee was hospitalised after collapsing in hot and humid conditions while officiating a group-stage match.
The defeat ended a Colombian record 28-match unbeaten streak for Lorenzo’s side, whose last loss also came against La Albiceleste in February 2022.
Colombia captain James Rodriguez was named Player of the Tournament after notching six assists to break Messi’s record of five in a single edition. The 33-year-old also scored one goal. REUTERS, AFP
