Defending champions Argentina secured a record 16th Copa America title by defeating Colombia 1-0 with an extra-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday.
The match was delayed by more than an hour as thousands of fans without tickets attempted to gain entry, leading to a cautious start during regular play. The game opened up in extra time, with Martinez, the tournament’s leading scorer, capitalizing on a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso before lifting his shot over Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute, igniting celebrations among Argentina supporters.
This victory adds to Argentina’s recent accolades, following their triumphs in the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America. It also provides an ideal conclusion for eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, likely playing in his last international tournament.
Colombia began the match aggressively, with Jhon Cordoba hitting the post in the seventh minute. Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios also had long-range shots saved by Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Messi appeared to injure his ankle in the 36th minute after a collision with Santiago Arias. Though he continued playing, he was visibly hampered for the rest of the half.
In the second half, Colombia remained on the offensive with close attempts from Arias and Davinson Sanchez. However, Argentina absorbed the pressure and pushed forward. Messi eventually limped off in the 66th minute due to the ankle injury. Argentina had a goal disallowed for offside but maintained their momentum into extra time.
During extra time, Argentina continued to press, with Nico Gonzalez testing Vargas before Martinez’s decisive goal. This victory ended Colombia’s record 28-match unbeaten streak, with their last loss also against Argentina in February 2022.