Lautaro Martinez celebrates his winning goal with an injured Lionel Messi. (Reuters)
Argentina clinched the Copa America 2024 title on the back of Lautaro Martinez’s extra-time winner over Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
In Sunday’s charged final where the match ended goalless in regulation time, Martinez came on in the 97th minute replacing striker Julian Alvarez. He powered home the winning goal from a quick counter-attack in the 112th minute. The 26-year-old Inter Milan forward also secured the Golden Boot with his fifth goal of this edition.
ARGENTINA TAKES THE LEAD IN THE 112TH MINUTE 🇦🇷😱
Lautaro Martínez does it again 🔥 pic.twitter.com/i2p4e5Li8U
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 15, 2024
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Record 16th for Argentina, Colombia lose winning streak
The win marked Argentina’s third consecutive major title triumph following the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the previous Copa America, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final held in Rio di Janeiro.
Argentina also surpassed Uruguay for the most Copa America titles, having secured their 16th title in 30 final appearances. The Albieceleste also ended Colombia’s 28-match winning streak dating back to 2022. Their last defeat also came against Argentina.
Crowd trouble and Messi injury
Earlier, the final was delayed by more than 82 minutes after crowd issues, including fans breaching security gates. A video posted on social media showed fans in Colombia’s yellow and red colours, jumping over security railings near the southwest entrance of the stadium and running past police officers and stadium attendants. Screams could be heard in the background. A handful of people could be seen receiving medical treatment and asking for water in the sweltering South Florida heat.
A look at the state of Messi’s ankle after he unwrapped his ice wrap ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/HETsVXq4iR
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 15, 2024
Argentina skipper Lionel Messi was also forced out of the final after suffering a right ankle injury in the 64th minute. The 37-year-old was seen teary-eyed on the sidelines with a swollen ankle which was later heavily strapped by an ice pack.
Earlier, Messi had bent his right foot awkwardly during the 36th minute in the first half while attempting to kick the ball out of play. He was seen grimacing in pain before rolling over numerous times after appearing to come in contact with Colombia’s Santiago Arias. He eventually walked off the field briefly before returning to play.
