In a thrilling finale marked by crowd trouble and a delayed start, Argentina emerged victorious over Colombia, securing a record-breaking 16th Copa America title. Lautaro Martinez's extra-time goal sealed the win, capping off a dramatic match that saw Lionel Messi exit with an injury.
Argentina's victory was marred by crowd chaos, with thousands of ticketless fans attempting to enter the stadium.
The highly anticipated final was delayed by over an hour due to security concerns, as fans without tickets tried to force their way into the Hard Rock Stadium. The chaos led to the closure of gates, with reports of fans engaging in illegal conduct, including fighting police officers and vandalizing the stadium. Videos on social media showed security personnel struggling to contain the situation, with fans running across concourses and attempting to breach the gates.
The delayed start was a disappointment for fans who had eagerly awaited the final, but the teams showed no signs of distraction once the match got underway. Colombia made a bright start, with Liverpool's Luis Diaz forcing an early save from Camilo Vargas, while Jhon Cordoba struck a post. Argentina gradually gained momentum, with Manchester City's Julian Alvarez testing Vargas and Messi threatening with a trademark free-kick.
Messi's injury and Argentina's resilience stole the show.
Messi's tearful exit midway through the second half added to the drama, but Argentina's determination and teamwork ultimately paid off. The victory was a testament to the team's strength and resolve, with Martinez's goal capping off an unforgettable night. The win marked Argentina's third successive major trophy, following their 2021 Copa America success and 2022 World Cup triumph.
The match also highlighted concerns about crowd safety and security, with CONMEBOL facing scrutiny over their handling of the event. As South American football's governing body, CONMEBOL must address these issues to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans. The Hard Rock Stadium, one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup, was criticized for its handling of the situation, with reports of overcrowding and inadequate security measures.