Argentina Wins Record 16th Copa America Title Amid Chaos
Lautaro Martinez scores winner as Argentina triumphs in Copa America Final...
Argentina wins Copa America title amid chaos and delay, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the winner and Lionel Messi leading the team to their third straight major championship.
Argentina won a record 16th Copa America title, but the match was marred by an 80-minute delay due to unrest outside the Miami stadium. Giovani Lo Celso's through ball set up Lautaro Martinez for the winning goal in extra time. Captain Lionel Messi was substituted in the second half due to an injury, but he was overjoyed to have won his third straight major championship.
The match was delayed due to chaos outside Hard Rock Stadium, with ticketless fans attempting to enter the venue, resulting in clashes with security personnel and police. Several people were taken into custody, and some fans required medical attention. Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo criticized the decision to have Shakira perform on the field, which caused a 25-minute halftime delay.
The match was played in hot and humid conditions, with few clear opportunities. Colombia's Jhon Cordoba hit the woodwork in the first half, and Argentina's Nicolas Tagliafico had a goal disallowed for offside. Martinez scored the winning goal and took home the Golden Boot with five goals.
Messi, 34, has now won three major international competitions in a row, after previously never winning a senior international tournament. He hinted that he may retire from international football before the next World Cup.
Angel Di Maria ended his international career with the appearance, while James Rodriguez won MVP.
Emi Martinez took home the Golden Gloves.
The delays and chaos outside the stadium were unfortunate for the organizers, especially since the Hard Rock Stadium is scheduled to host World Cup games in 2026.
The match was also marred by clashes between Uruguayan players and Colombian fans in the semi-finals, and concerns about family safety in the stadium. Colombia has not won a Copa America title since 2001, despite having several opportunities in the match.
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