Argentina Clinches Record 16th Copa América Title with Extra-Time Triumph Over Colombia
Defending champions Argentina overcame the loss of their talisman Lionel Messi to secure a record 16th Copa América title by defeating Colombia 1-0 in a dramatic final at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. The decisive moment came in the 112th minute of extra time when substitute Lautaro Martínez, the tournament’s leading scorer, netted the only goal of the match.
Lionel Messi’s involvement was cut short due to a non-contact injury in the 64th minute. The Argentine captain fell while running and was visibly distraught, covering his face with his hands on the bench. This injury cast a shadow over Argentina’s efforts, but the team rallied in his absence.
Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez, who came on in the 97th minute, delivered the crucial goal after a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso. Martínez deftly lifted his shot over Colombia’s goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, securing his fifth goal of the tournament and the record-breaking title for Argentina.
The victory was bittersweet as it marked the final international appearances for two Argentine veterans: Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi, both 36. Di María had announced his retirement from international football post-Copa, and Otamendi is also set to end his international career.
The final started over 75 minutes late due to crowd trouble, with fans breaching security gates and creating chaos outside the stadium. Once the match commenced, Colombia took an aggressive stance, forcing Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez into several crucial saves in the first half.
Argentina found their rhythm in the second half, with Nicolás Tagliafico’s effort in the 75th minute being ruled offside and Nicolás González’s attempt thwarted by Vargas in the 95th minute. The match saw numerous players struggling with footing issues due to heavily watered grass following a halftime performance by Colombian pop star Shakira, which extended the break.
This victory not only gave Argentina their third consecutive major title following the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup but also saw them surpass Uruguay for the most Copa América titles. Argentina’s win halted Colombia’s impressive 28-game unbeaten streak, which dated back to a February 2022 loss to the Albiceleste.
Argentina’s victory is a testament to their resilience and depth, overcoming the loss of Messi to clinch another major title. As the team celebrated their hard-fought win, Lautaro Martínez’s late heroics will be remembered as the moment that secured Argentina’s place in history with a record 16th Copa América title.
