In a night of unparalleled drama and emotion at Hard Rock Stadium, Argentina secured its second consecutive Copa America title and a record 16th overall, by narrowly overcoming Colombia 1-0. The match was marked not only by a last-gasp goal from Lautaro Martínez in the 112th minute but also by a heart-wrenching injury to the Argentine talisman, Lionel Messi.
The stakes were evidently high from the outset. The game, originally slated to kick off at 8 pm EDT, started 1 hour and 22 minutes late due to crowd control issues outside the stadium. Fans had breached security gates, causing chaos and resulting in officials struggling to determine who held legitimate tickets for the match, to be used as a venue for the 2026 World Cup.
The contest took a turn for the dramatic when Lionel Messi, eyeing possibly his final Copa America performance, seemed to sustain a non-contact injury in the 64th minute. As he fell to the ground, the stadium collectively held its breath. The sight of Messi, tears streaming down his face as he sat on the bench, added a poignant dimension to the already tense match.
Later, it was Lautaro Martínez who seized the narrative. Replacing an injured Messi, Martínez’s energy was palpable when he was introduced in the 97th minute. It was not long after that Giovani Lo Celso delivered a perfect through pass, putting Martínez in a position to score. With surgical precision, Martínez fired a right-foot shot just inside the penalty area, slipping the ball past the outstretched arms of Colombia’s goalkeeper, Camilo Vargas. The magic moment resulted in Martínez’s 29th international goal and his fifth in the tournament, securing Argentina’s victory.
The game wasn’t short of aggressive play. Colombia initiated the first half with a strong offensive, compelling Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to make four significant saves. With the onset of the second half, Argentina upped the ante. At one point, Nicolás Tagliafico thought he had scored, only for the goal to be ruled offside. Nicolás González, who stepped in for Messi, was thwarted by Vargas late in the 95th minute.
Adding to the chaos was the state of the pitch, heavily watered during an extended halftime break that featured a performance by Colombian pop star Shakira.
. The over-saturation of the grass led numerous players to lose their footing during critical moments in the second half.
Argentina’s win stretched beyond just another trophy in their cabinet. The victory also terminated Colombia’s impressive 28-game unbeaten streak, which had started following a February 2022 loss to Argentina. The triumph underscored Argentina’s dominance on the international stage, with their series of victories now including the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. This run of success places them alongside the elite of international football, matching Spain’s haul of wins in the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, and the 2010 World Cup.
For Messi, the experience had a surreal touch. He had managed the entirety of the first half despite his ankle injury, scoring just once throughout the tournament. However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s looking to the bench after falling suggested he knew his role might be over. In a fit of frustration, Messi removed his right boot, and his visibly swelling ankle told the story of a legend battling his final chapters on this stage.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the Argentine squad showcased resilience unparalleled. The moment Martínez sprinted towards the bench to embrace Messi after scoring the decisive goal will remain etched in the annals of Copa America history.
However, the night wasn’t without its share of controversies beyond crowd troubles. Days before the final, there had been violent scuffles involving players and fans in a semifinal match between Uruguay and Colombia in Charlotte, North Carolina. Such scenes painted a stark reminder of the volatile atmosphere surrounding international sports events.
Argentina’s anticipation now turns towards future championships, basking in the glow of three consecutive major titles while also preparing for the challenges that lie ahead. Their recent track record signals the enduring might and spirit of the Albiceleste, even when faced with overwhelming odds and emotional setbacks.
To cap it all, the jubilant scenes witnessed as Lionel Messi lifted the Copa America trophy not only epitomized Argentina’s skill, determination, and teamwork but also highlighted the broader emotional connect the sport harbors. The victory was a tribute not just to the footballing prowess of Argentina but to the unyielding spirit of its players and their legendary captain.
(With agency inputs)
