Argentina Defeats Colombia to Claim 16th Copa America Title
Lautaro Martinez scored in extra time to give Argentina a 1-0 victory over Colombia, securing their 16th Copa America title at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.
The match, which had few scoring opportunities and was disrupted by security and crowd issues causing an 82-minute delay, was decided by a quality goal from substitute Martinez. He finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals.
This win marks Argentina’s third consecutive major tournament victory, following their 2021 Copa America win and the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
Despite the victory, there were emotional moments for Argentina. Captain Lionel Messi was injured in the 66th minute and watched the rest of the game from the bench, while Angel Di Maria played his final game for the national team.
Colombia, whose only Copa America title came in 2001 and who were unbeaten in 28 games, had a disappointing night as little went right for Nestor Lorenzo’s team.
Fans faced chaotic entry conditions at the stadium, with organizers blaming supporters for trying to enter without tickets and fans blaming the lack of an efficient entry system. Some fans needed medical attention for heat exhaustion, but after the gates were opened without checks, the situation improved, and the game continued.
In the seventh minute, Colombia’s Jhon Corboba hit the post with a speculative shot, but both teams struggled to find their rhythm early on. Di Maria set up Messi in the 20th minute, but his shot was saved by Colombia’s keeper Camilo Vargas. Colombia looked more lively in the first half and went close in the 33rd minute when Jefferson Lerma’s long-range shot forced a diving save from Emiliano Martinez.
