Defending champions Argentina clinched 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, delayed by over an hour due to thousands of fans without tickets attempting to enter the stadium, was tightly contested for 90 minutes but opened up during extra time.
Martinez, the tournament’s leading scorer, capitalized on a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso, lifting his shot over advancing Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute, leading to wild celebrations from Argentina fans.
This latest title follows Argentina’s triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America, providing eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi with a fitting sendoff in what is likely his final international tournament.
Colombia started the match aggressively, with Jhon Cordoba hitting the post in the seventh minute and Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios having long-range efforts saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Messi appeared to injure his ankle in the 36th minute after a collision with Santiago Arias, and although he continued after receiving treatment, he was clearly hampered for the rest of the half.
In the second half, Colombia went on the offensive again, with Arias and Davinson Sanchez coming close to scoring.
Argentina absorbed the pressure well but suffered a setback in the 66th minute when Messi had to leave the field due to his ankle injury. They grew into the contest and had a goal disallowed for offside, but the match remained goalless until extra time.
The defending champions continued to press in extra time, testing Vargas with a shot from Nico Gonzalez before Martinez finally broke the deadlock.
Argentina’s victory also ended a record 28-match unbeaten streak for Colombia, whose last defeat came against Argentina in February 2022.