Dramatic Extra-Time Victory in Miami Highlights Tournament Marred by Security Issues
Argentina claimed their 16th Copa America title in a dramatic final against Colombia in Miami, possibly marking the end of Lionel Messi’s illustrious international career. The game, delayed by more than an hour due to a chaotic scene outside the stadium, saw Lautaro Martinez score the decisive goal in the 112th minute, sparking wild celebrations among Argentine fans.
The match, held on Sunday night, was a tightly contested affair for over 90 minutes but opened up in extra time.
Martinez, the tournament’s leading scorer, received a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso and lifted his shot over Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, securing a 1-0 victory for Argentina.
This goal marked Martinez’s fifth of the tournament and his 29th international goal.
Argentina’s victory follows their recent triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America. This win provides a fitting sendoff for eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, who may have played his last international tournament. Additionally, it was the final Argentina match for 36-year-old Angel Di Maria and defender Nicolas Otamendi, also 36, who are both set to retire from international football.
“The truth is, this was written, it was this way,” Di Maria said. “I dreamed it, I dreamed that I would arrive at the final and win it and retire in this way. I have so many beautiful feelings and I am eternally grateful to this generation and today I am leaving in this way with a title.”
Messi, making his 39th and possibly last Copa America appearance at age 37, scored one goal in the tournament.
Despite an ankle injury in the first half, he continued playing until the second half, when he had to leave the field. His frustration was evident as he removed his boot and slammed it in anger.
The match’s start was delayed from 8 pm EDT to 9:22 pm due to crowd control issues outside the stadium, where thousands of ticketless fans tried to breach security gates. Both teams were temporarily taken off the pitch as chaos ensued outside. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and chief public safety officer James Reyes issued a statement during the game, acknowledging the situation and promising a full review to prevent future incidents.
“Let’s be clear: This situation should have never taken place and cannot happen again,” the statement read. “We will work with stadium leadership to ensure that a full review of tonight’s events takes place immediately to evaluate the full chain of events, in order to put in place needed protocols and policies for all future games.”
Fans wearing gear from both teams were seen running in multiple directions, with some climbing fences to enter the stadium. Police officers and stadium officials struggled to manage the situation, and a fan from Argentina, Claudio, described the chaos as suffocating and disorganized.
“They can’t organize a World Cup! It’s impossible,” Claudio said. “People stuck against the gate for hours, unable to breathe. There was a senior citizen, look at him, look at him [motioning at his young son], left without water. No water, nothing.”
A sellout crowd of over 65,000 was expected for the final, with a mix of Argentine and Colombian supporters filling the stands. The security issues followed an earlier incident where Uruguay’s players clashed with Colombian fans after their Copa America semifinal defeat, requiring intervention from security personnel.
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