Fans attempting to storm the Hard Rock Stadium caused the play to be delayed by almost an hour as Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in extra time.
Argentina has won their 16th Copa America championship, and its biggest player, Lionel Messi, is probably leaving the country of international football.
The game in the US city of Miami was cagey for more than 90 minutes before opening up in the extra session on Sunday. The game had been delayed by more than an hour when thousands of spectators attempted to enter the stadium without tickets.
In the 112th minute, Argentina supporters went crazy as Lautaro Martinez—the tournament’s top scorer—latched onto a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso and lifted his effort over advancing Colombia custodian Camilo Vargas.
Martinez’s right-footed goal, his fifth of the tournament, went past the upraised arms of sliding custodian Camilo Vargas just inside the penalty area. It was his 29th goal for his country.
Following their victories at the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America, Argentina has won their 16th Copa, and this latest victory provides eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi with the ideal send-off in what may be his final international competition.
Along with defender Nicolas Otamendi, 36, who also announced last year that he will retire from international football after the Copa, the victory also represented Angel Di Maria’s final game for Argentina.
“In actuality, this was written in this manner,” Di Maria remarked. “I had a dream that I would make it to the championship game, win, and then retire in this manner.
“I am leaving this generation with a title and so many wonderful feelings. I am also eternally grateful.”
Messi, who is 37 years old, made his 39th and perhaps final Copa America participation. He scored one goal during the competition. Someone trod on his ankle, causing him to fall in nevertheless continued to play throughout the first half.
When Messi went down on the pitch in the second half, it seemed as though he knew his tournament was finished and turned to face the bench. As he left, he removed his right boot and smashed it, looking like he had swelled his ankle. When Martinez scored, he stood near the bench with his right foot exposed, raising his arms as teammates raced onto the field.
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