Argentina's Historic Copa America Victory
Argentina is celebrating a hard-fought triumph in the Copa America, achieved in extra time with Lautaro Martinez's decisive goal against Colombia in Miami. The final was marked by the injury of Lionel Messi, who left the field in tears in the second half. The match began with great tension and a long delay due to security incidents at the Hard Rock Stadium, where numerous fans, especially Colombians, tried to enter without tickets.
Despite these challenges, Argentina secured the 'triple crown' by winning three international competitions in a row, following their victories in the 2021 Copa and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This victory also marks Argentina's 16th Copa America title, putting them ahead of Uruguay, which has 15 titles.
Chaotic Scenes and Security Concerns
The afternoon in Florida began in chaos, with police and security agents arresting several people trying to enter the stadium through unconventional means, including ventilation ducts. The heat, reaching 34 degrees, and the crowds exacerbated the situation, leading to numerous ailments among fans. The match, initially delayed by 80 minutes, finally started at 03:22 Italian time (9:22 p.m. local time).
Colombia was the first to shine with a team action between James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz, and Jhon Cordoba. However, Lionel Messi, after a blocked shot, suffered a hard tackle and later a sprained right ankle, forcing him to leave the field. His departure added to the emotional intensity of the match, as Angel Di Maria also shed tears for his probable farewell to the national team.
The decisive moment came in extra time when Lo Celso, after a pass from Paredes, sent Lautaro Martinez deep for a winning shot. Martinez, who had been the top scorer of the tournament, celebrated the goal and the victory with great emotion, consoling his captain Messi, who later lifted the trophy. The victory has sparked celebrations across Argentina, with President Milei set to receive the team at the Casa Rosada for a tribute.
- The chaotic scenes at the Hard Rock Stadium have raised serious concerns about security management, especially with the stadium set to host seven matches of the 2026 World Cup. The incidents in Miami followed violent clashes in the stands during the Colombia-Uruguay semi-final in Charlotte, leading to strong criticism of the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol).
- The match itself was a testament to Argentina's resilience and skill. Despite Messi's injury and the emotional toll on the team, they managed to secure a historic victory. Lautaro Martinez's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he not only scored the winning goal but also demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
- Colombia, despite their strong performance and a 28-match unbeaten streak, fell short in their quest for a second Copa America title. James Rodriguez, who played a crucial role for his team, was awarded the trophy for the best player of the tournament.
