Argentina defeat Colombia 1-0 to win record 16th Copa America

Lautaro Martinez scored an extra-time winner as Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 to win a document sixteenth Copa America title at Arduous Rock Stadium on Sunday.

A poor sport which had been marred by safety and crowd points, forcing a 82-minute delay, was determined by a high quality end from Martinez — his fifth aim of the event.

The win was the third straight main event title for Argentine following their 2021 Copa victory and their triumph within the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

There have been tears earlier than the celebrations although with Argentina captain Lionel Messi going off injured within the 66th minute watching the remainder of the sport distraught on the bench, whereas there was an emotional farewell for Angel Di Maria in his closing sport for the nationwide group.

For Colombia, whose solely title got here within the 2001 Copa America, it was a disappointing night time when little appeared to work for Nestor Lorenzo’s group.

There was chaos round entry to the stadium for followers, with organisers blaming supporters for making an attempt to enter with out tickets whereas followers blamed the dearth of an environment friendly entry system to the venue.

The scenes had been alarming with some followers needing medical consideration for warmth exhaustion however after the choice to abruptly throw open the gates, with no checks on these getting into, the state of affairs was largely resolved and the sport lastly went forward.

Colombia’s Jhon Corboba hit the underside of the publish with a speculative shot within the seventh minute however neither facet had been capable of finding their circulation within the early levels.

Di Maria discovered Messi within the twentieth minute with a low ball into the field and Messi’s left-foot shot was saved by Colombia keeper Camilo Vargas.

Colombia had appeared the extra full of life within the opening interval they usually went shut within the thirty third minute when Jefferson Lerma tried his luck from 25 yards out and his low drive pressured Emiliano Martinez right into a diving save.

Messi tears

There was concern for Messi within the thirty sixth minute when he dribbled to the byline however was halted by a sliding problem from Santiago Arias which was dominated truthful left the Argentine captain needing therapy.

Messi, who now performs his membership soccer in Miami, then curled a free-kick in from the left flank however Nicolas Tagliafico’s header was simply off beam.

It had been a disappointing first half and it didn’t enhance a lot after the break, when the followers had not less than acquired some leisure from Colombian singer Shakira.

Argentina did not take care of a James Rodriguez nook and the ball looped to Davinson Sanchez however he was unable to maintain down his header which floated over the bar.

There was lastly a few of the anticipated high quality when Di Maria produced one in all his trademark runs in from the left and compelled Vargas into motion, the Colombia keeper turning the ball broad of the publish.

Then got here a significant blow for Argentine hopes when Messi went down, with out contact, as he ran in midfield, and clearly in ache he went off to get replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez within the 66th minute.

It was an excessive amount of for Messi, in what could have been his final main event, as he sat in tears on the bench, unable to carry again his feelings.

The Argentine followers thought they’d grabbed a winner within the seventy fifth minute when Tagliafico discovered Gonzalez within the field, who beat Vargas with a low drive however the effort was dominated out for offside.

Little modified in extra-time with a half-chance from Miguel Borja after a flick from Jorge Carrascal however the sport was settled by a worthy winner.

Leandro Paredes received the ball in midfield for Argentina with a superbly timed sort out, discovered Giovani Lo Celso whose first time cross was excellent for the on-running Martinez who confidently fired house the winner.