Argentina clinched a record-breaking 16th Copa America title by defeating Colombia 1-0, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the decisive goal in extra time on Sunday.
The final, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, was delayed for over an hour as thousands of ticketless fans attempted to gain entry.
Martinez, who came off the bench in extra time, received a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso and lifted his shot over Colombia’s advancing goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute, triggering wild celebrations.
This victory follows Argentina’s triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America, providing a fitting conclusion to Lionel Messi‘s international career, as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to retire from international play.
The win also saw Argentina surpass Uruguay’s 15 Copa titles and marked Angel di Maria’s final international match. Defender Nicolas Otamendi, 36, is also set to retire from international duty.
“The truth is, this was written, it was this way,” 36-year-old Di Maria said. “I dreamed it, I dreamed that I would arrive to 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.”
The start of the match was delayed three times by CONMEBOL after videos surfaced on social media showing security clashes with fans attempting to breach the stadium gates.
A Reuters witness observed several people being ejected from the stadium, which is slated to host matches during the 2026 World Cup.
“It was hard because many had their families outside, they didn’t know what was going on,” Argentina’s Cristian Romero told TyC Sports. “It didn’t seem like a final, there was a lot of commotion and a lot of concern.”
