Argentina's Historic Victory in Copa America
Argentina is celebrating a monumental triumph in the Copa America, securing a hard-fought victory against Colombia in Miami. The win, achieved only in extra time with a decisive goal from Lautaro Martinez, marks Argentina's 'triple crown'—three international competitions in a row—following their 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup victories.
The final was fraught with tension, beginning with significant delays and chaos at the Hard Rock Stadium. Numerous fans, particularly Colombians, attempted to enter the stadium without tickets, leading to several arrests and security issues. The intense heat, reaching 34 degrees, exacerbated the situation, causing many ailments among the crowd. After an 80-minute delay, the match finally commenced.
Messi's Emotional Exit and Martinez's Heroics
Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, suffered a sprained right ankle in the second half and left the field in tears. His emotional exit was a significant moment in the match, but the team's spirit remained unbroken. Angel Di Maria also had an emotional farewell, replaced in the 117th minute, marking the end of his international career.
The pivotal moment came when Lautaro Martinez, who had been fielded only in extra time, scored the winning goal. Martinez, the tournament's top scorer, expressed immense joy, stating, 'I'm happy because I managed to score and because I knew I was able to help the team. I had a great season at my club and I wanted to free myself from the thorn of the World Cup.' His goal not only secured the victory but also brought a smile back to Messi's face.
The victory celebration in Argentina has already begun, with moments of tension in Buenos Aires between the police and overly enthusiastic fans. The national team is expected to be received by President Milei at the Casa Rosada for a tribute.
