Argentina secured its second consecutive Copa America championship today, overcoming Lionel Messi’s second-half leg injury to defeat Colombia 1-0.
Lautaro Martínez’s 112th-minute goal clinched the victory for the world champions.
Messi appeared to suffer a non-contact injury while running in the 64th minute and was seen covering his face with his hands as he sat on the bench.
The match faced a delay of over an hour after fans, many without tickets, rushed the stadium attempting to gain entry.
Colombia was more aggressive in the first half, forcing goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to make four saves, but Argentina posed more threats in the second half.
Nicolás Tagliafico thought he’d scored in the 75th minute, but his goal was ruled offside.
Nicolás González, who substituted for Messi, was stopped by Vargas in the 95th minute.
Several players lost their footing during the second half of Sunday’s match.
The field was heavily watered with sprinklers following a halftime performance by Colombian pop star Shakira, leading to an extended break.
Martínez, who entered the game in the 97th minute, scored from a perfect through pass by Giovani Lo Celso.