Argentina win Copa America amid Messi tears

Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 to win their 16th Copa America title.

A game marred by security and spectator issues was decided by Martinez’s fine finish in extra time, his fifth goal of the tournament.

Victory in the 2021 Copa followed by success in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar Argentina This is the third major tournament title in a row.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi He suffered an injury in the 66th minute, which forced him to sit on the bench for the rest of the match, while Angel Di Maria was bid an emotional farewell in his last match by the national team.

Colombiawhose only title was the Copa America in 2001, it was a frustrating night with little going well for Nestor Lorenzo’s side.

Entry into the stadium for fans was chaotic, with organizers accusing supporters of trying to enter without tickets while fans blamed the lack of an efficient stadium entry system.

The scenes were alarming as some fans needed medical attention due to the heat but following the decision to open the gates suddenly, with no checks on those entering, the situation was largely resolved and the game eventually went ahead. .

Colombia’s Jon Corboba hit the bottom of the post with a speculative shot in the seventh minute but neither team was able to find their rhythm in the early stages.

Di Maria passed the ball to Messi in the box in the 20th minute, but Messi’s left-footed shot was blocked by Colombian keeper Camilo Vargas.

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Colombia went close in the 33rd minute when Jefferson Lerma tried his luck from 25 yards and his low drive forced Emiliano Martinez to dive.

Messi’s tears

Messi had trouble in the 36th minute when he went to the byline but was stopped by a challenge from Santiago Arias, following which the Argentina captain needed treatment.

Messi, now playing his club football in Miami, then curled in a free-kick from the left but Nicolas Tagliafico’s header was off target.

The first half of the match was disappointing and it didn’t improve much following the break, when the fans at least got some entertainment from Colombian singer Shakira.

The Argentinian team failed to deal with James Rodriguez’s corner and the ball went to Davinson Sanchez but he failed to keep his header.

Finally some expected quality was available when Di Maria made one of his trademark runs down the left and forced Vargas into action, the Colombian keeper keeping the ball clear of the post.

Argentina’s hopes were then dealt a major blow when Messi went off without contact and was replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez in the 66th minute in obvious pain.

It was too much for Messi, in what was probably his last major tournament, as he was left in tears on the bench unable to control his emotions.

Argentina fans thought they had won in the 75th minute when Tagliafico found Gonzalez in the box, who beat Vargas with a low drive but the effort was ruled offside.

Extra time was unchanged following Miguel Borja had a half-chance following Jorge Carrascal scored, but a worthy winner clinched the match.

Argentina’s Leandro Paredes scored in midfield to set up Giovanni Lo Celso, whose first-time pass was excellent for Martinez, who confidently fired home the winner.

Argentina fans cheer on their team as they watch the final soccer match of the CONMEBOL 2024 Copa America tournament between Argentina and Colombia at the Buenos Aires Bakery in Miami, Florida on July 14, 2024 (Giorgio Vieira/AFP)