The Copa América 2024, held in the United States, has been marred by numerous controversies, raising significant concerns about the upcoming 2026 World Cup. From the opening match to the final, the tournament has seen a slew of irregularities, with vocal criticisms from key figures like Marcelo Bielsa, who labeled Conmebol officials as a 'plague of liars.'
One of the most peculiar moments occurred at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where evangelical pastor Emilio Agüero Esgaib blessed the Copa América trophy before the match between Argentina and Canada. This unusual event, alongside a botched performance by Feid and the unexpected presence of journalist Morena Beltrán during the draw, generated a flood of memes and widespread amusement.
The quality of the playing fields has been another major issue. Emiliano Martínez and Lionel Scaloni both criticized the state of the grass, which had been hastily laid over synthetic turf, making play difficult. Marcelo Bielsa echoed these sentiments, accusing Conmebol of lying about the conditions of the fields and training facilities.
Controversial refereeing decisions have also plagued the tournament. Conmebol admitted to an error in the Brazil-Colombia match, where a clear penalty on Vinícius Júnior was not awarded. The VAR officials failed to overturn the decision, leading to widespread criticism and the release of the VAR audio by Conmebol.
The semifinal between Uruguay and Colombia descended into chaos, with Uruguayan players clashing with Colombian fans at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Marcelo Bielsa defended his players, arguing that they were protecting their families from attacks by spectators. Conmebol has since warned of sanctions against 11 players involved in the incident.
The final match between Argentina and Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami was delayed due to serious incidents at the entrance. Many Colombian fans without tickets forced their way into the stadium, causing chaos and delaying the start of the match. The stadium doors were closed, leaving many legitimate ticket holders outside and leading to avalanches, runs, and fights.
Despite these issues, the final saw Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, face off against a formidable Colombian team led by James Rodríguez. The match was a culmination of a tournament that highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of South American football, serving as a critical test for the organizational capabilities ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
