Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in extra time thanks to a goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday, winning their 16th Copa America title.
The game, which was delayed by more than an hour as thousands of people without tickets attempted to enter the stadium, was tense for the first 90 minutes but became more open in the second half.
Martinez, the tournament’s leading scorer, 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 among Argentina fans.
Argentina’s newest trophy follows their victories in the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America, and it provides the perfect sendoff for eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi in what is expected to be his final international competition.
The win also marked Angel di Maria’s final Argentina match after the 36-year-old said last year he would retire from international football after the Copa, while defender Nicolas Otamendi, 36, is also set to end his international career.
Colombia started the match by pressing high up the pitch and Jhon Cordoba hit the post in the seventh minute before Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios had long-range efforts saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Messi appeared to hurt his ankle in the 36th minute after a collision with Santiago Arias and while he got back to his feet after receiving treatment he was clearly hampered for the remainder of the half.
Colombia went on the offensive again in the second half with Arias and Davinson Sanchez coming close to scoring.
Argentina soaked up the pressure well but were dealt a blow in the 66th minute when Messi limped off due to the ankle injury.
Messi had to leave because of that ankle problem but finally we were able to give him some joy,” added Di Maria, who jointly lifted the trophy alongside captain Messi and Otamendi at the presentation ceremony.
They continued to grow into the contest and had a goal disallowed for offside but Colombia held on as the match went to extra time.
The defending champions continued to push forward in extra time, testing Vargas with a shot from Nico Gonzalez before Martinez finally found the breakthrough.
( Source: Reuters)
