Argentina Copa America
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Lautaro Martinez scored an extra-time winner as Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 to claim a record 16th Copa America title at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.
A poor game marred by security and crowd issues, resulting in an 82-minute delay, was decided by Martinez’s quality finish — his fifth goal of the tournament.
The win marked Argentina’s third straight major tournament title following their 2021 Copa America victory and their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
There were tears before the celebrations as Argentina captain Lionel Messi went off injured in the 66th minute, watching the rest of the game distraught on the bench. Additionally, it was an emotional farewell for Angel Di Maria in his final game for the national team.
For Colombia, whose only title came in the 2001 Copa America, it was a disappointing night with little working for Nestor Lorenzo’s team.
Chaos ensued around entry to the stadium for fans, with organizers blaming supporters for attempting to enter without tickets while fans criticized the lack of an efficient entry system.
Argentina Copa America
The scenes were alarming with some fans needing medical attention for heat exhaustion but after the decision to suddenly throw open the gates, with no checks on those entering, the situation was largely resolved and the game finally went ahead.
Colombia’s Jhon Corboba hit the bottom of the post with a speculative shot in the seventh minute but neither side were able to find their flow in the early stages.
Di Maria found Messi in the 20th minute with a low ball into the box and Messi’s left-foot shot was saved by Colombia keeper Camilo Vargas.
Colombia had looked the more lively in the opening period and they went close in the 33rd minute when Jefferson Lerma tried his luck from 25 yards out and his low drive forced Emiliano Martinez into a diving save.
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