Argentina emerged as Copa America champions in an unforgettable and emotional final, securing a 1-0 victory over Colombia after extra time. The match, held in Miami, was notable for both its on-field drama and off-field chaos.
The final saw Argentina’s legendary captain, Lionel Messi, experience a whirlwind of emotions. After suffering an ankle injury in the 65th minute and being forced to leave the field, Messi was seen in tears on the bench, his face wet with tears as his ankle was wrapped in ice. His sorrow transformed into joy when Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal in extra time, clinching Argentina’s 16th Copa America title.
The match’s drama began long before the first whistle, with a delay of over an hour due to a chaotic scene outside the stadium. Thousands of fans without tickets tried to force their way in, prompting security to close the gates to regain control.
“In anticipation of tonight’s Copa America Final, thousands of fans without tickets attempted to forcibly enter the stadium, putting other fans, security, and law enforcement officers at extreme risk,” a stadium spokesperson stated.
The tournament had already seen its share of ugly incidents, such as the brawl between Uruguayan players and Colombian fans after Colombia’s semifinal victory over Uruguay. The final was marred by images of distressed fans outside the stadium, some climbing fences and others being detained or treated for injuries.
The Miami-Dade Police Department released a statement addressing the unruly behavior of fans attempting to access the stadium.
“We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening,” the statement read. “These incidents have been a result of the unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium.”
Despite the delays, the half-time performance by Colombian singer Shakira went ahead as planned. Her electrifying show, reminiscent of the Super Bowl halftime spectacle, extended the break from 15 to 20 minutes, adding a touch of glamour to the dramatic final.
Argentina’s triumph in the Copa America final will be remembered not just for the on-field victory but for the dramatic scenes and emotions that unfolded. Messi’s tears, initially of pain and despair, turned into tears of joy, as Argentina lifted the Copa America trophy for the record 16th time, cementing their place in football history.
