Argentina clinched its third consecutive major title with a hard-fought extra-time victory over Colombia in the Copa América final at the Hard Rock Stadium.
The 1-0 win, courtesy of a late goal by Lautaro Martinez, ended Colombia’s impressive 28-match unbeaten streak and handed Argentina its record 16th Copa América trophy.
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The match was significant not just for the result, but for the emotional scenes that unfolded involving Argentine Captain Lionel Messi. Likely playing his last game for the national team, the 37-year-old legend was substituted in the second half due to an apparent ankle injury.
As he left the pitch in tears, fans and players alike sensed the end of an era. Messi, visibly emotional, watched the rest of the game from the bench, nursing his swollen ankle.
However, the night's drama extended beyond the field. Kick-off was delayed by over an hour due to thousands of fans attempting to forcibly enter the sold-out 65,300-capacity stadium.
Stadium Chaos Disrupts Copa América Final
Images and videos from outside the stadium showed distressing scenes, with overcrowding and fans, including women and children, struggling to gain entry.
Some fans were seen climbing the stadium walls, while others fell over a crush barrier. The gates were eventually reopened briefly to prevent stampedes and serious injuries.
“There was serious concern of fans being crushed in an attempt to enter. Law enforcement and security personnel were immediately deployed throughout the stadium and surrounding area to keep fans as safe as possible in light of this unprecedented situation,” stated a stadium spokesperson via CNN.
The Miami-Dade Police Department reported several incidents as a result of unruly behavior and fans trying to access the stadium.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Chief Public Safety Officer James Reyes issued a joint statement expressing their outrage at the events and promised an investigation.
High Emotions As Argentina Secures Copa América Victory
Inside the stadium, the match was a tense affair. Argentina, led by Messi until his substitution, struggled to break down a resolute Colombian defense.
It wasn’t until extra time that Martinez, coming off the bench, found the back of the net to secure the win. The final whistle saw an emotional Messi, hobbling due to his injury, embracing teammates and coaches before lifting the trophy.
The victory marks another milestone in Messi’s illustrious career, adding to Argentina's recent successes, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 Copa América.
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