MIAMI GARDENS, Florida – Defending champions Argentina secured their 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 faced a delay of over an hour as thousands of fans without tickets tried to enter the stadium. After a tense 90 minutes, the game came alive in extra time.
Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, connected with a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso and lifted his shot over advancing Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute, igniting wild celebrations among Argentina fans.
This latest title follows Argentina’s victories at the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America, offering eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi a fitting sendoff in what is likely his final international tournament.
Colombia began with high pressing, and Jhon Cordoba hit the post in the seventh minute. Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios later had long-range shots saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
In the 36th minute, Messi appeared to injure his ankle in a collision with Santiago Arias. Although he continued after receiving treatment, he was visibly hampered for the rest of the half.
Colombia resumed their offensive in the second half, with Arias and Davinson Sanchez both coming close to scoring.
Argentina absorbed the pressure but faced a setback when Messi limped off due to his ankle injury in the 66th minute.
Despite having a goal disqualified for offside, Argentina grew into the contest and continued to push forward in extra time. They tested Vargas with a shot from Nico Gonzalez before Martinez scored the decisive goal.
Argentina’s victory also ended Colombia’s record 28-match unbeaten streak, with their last defeat also coming against ‘La Albiceleste’ in February 2022.