Argentina won the Copa America for a record 16th time on Monday, beating Colombia 1-0 thanks to a late extra-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
The match was delayed by more than an hour as thousands of fans without tickets tried to enter the stadium. Inter Milan striker Martinez, the tournament's top scorer, received a perfect through ball from teammate Giovani Lo Celso before placing the ball over the head of Colombia's advancing goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute, sparking wild celebrations among the Argentine fans.
The title is Argentina's latest after winning the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America, giving eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi a perfect end to what could be his final international campaign.
Colombia started the match with strong pressure all over the pitch, and Jhon Cordoba hit the post in the seventh minute before Jefferson Lerma and Richard Rios fired long-range shots that were saved by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Messi appeared to hurt his ankle in the 36th minute after colliding with defender Santiago Arias, and while he got back on his feet after treatment, it was clear the injury affected him for the rest of the first half.
Colombia went back on the attack again in the second half, with Arias and Davinson Sanchez close to scoring, but Argentina absorbed the pressure well, and were dealt a heavy blow in the 66th minute when Messi left the field with an ankle injury.
Argentina improved as the match wore on, and had a goal ruled out for offside, but Colombia held on as the match went into extra time. The defending champions continued to press in extra time, with Vargas tested by a shot from Nicolas Gonzalez before Martinez finally scored.
Argentina's win also ended Colombia's 28-match unbeaten streak, having last lost - also to Argentina - in February 2022.
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