Argentina clinched its second consecutive Copa America title today, overcoming Lionel Messi’s second-half leg injury to secure a 1-0 victory over Colombia.
Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal in the 112th minute, sealing the win for the reigning world champions.
Messi appeared to suffer a non-contact injury while running and falling in the 64th minute. He sat on the bench with his face in his hands.
The match experienced a delay of over an hour as fans, many without tickets, rushed the stadium attempting to gain entry.
Colombia played more aggressively, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez making four crucial saves in the first half. However, Argentina posed a greater threat in the second half.
Nicolás Tagliafico’s potential goal in the 75th minute was ruled offside.
Nicolás González, who replaced Messi, was denied by Colombia’s goalkeeper Vargas in the 95th minute.
Several players struggled with footing in the second half of Sunday’s match.
The field had been heavily watered with sprinklers following an extended halftime performance by Colombian pop star Shakira.
Martínez, who entered in the 97th minute, scored from Giovani Lo Celso’s perfect through pass.