Argentina secured their record 16th Copa América title with a 1-0 victory over Colombia, thanks to an extra-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martínez at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday, July 14.
The match, delayed by over an hour due to an influx of fans without tickets attempting to enter the stadium, was tightly contested during regular time but opened up in extra time. Martínez, the tournament’s leading scorer, received a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso and deftly lifted his shot over Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute, igniting jubilant celebrations among the Argentine supporters.
This victory follows Argentina’s recent triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa América, providing eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi with a fitting conclusion to what is likely his final international tournament.
Colombia started the match aggressively, pressing high up the pitch. Jhon Córdoba hit the post in the seventh minute, and Emiliano Martínez, Argentina’s goalkeeper, made crucial saves against long-range efforts from Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos.
In the 36th minute, Messi appeared to injure his ankle following a collision with Santiago Arias. Although he continued to play after receiving treatment, he was visibly hampered for the rest of the half.
Colombia continued their offensive in the second half, with Arias and Davinson Sánchez coming close to scoring. Despite the pressure, Argentina absorbed the attacks effectively but suffered a setback in the 66th minute when Messi was forced to leave the field due to his ankle injury.
As the match progressed into extra time, Argentina’s persistence paid off. Nico González tested Vargas with a shot before Martínez’s decisive goal. Argentina’s win also ended Colombia’s 28-match unbeaten streak, which had persisted since their last defeat to Argentina in February 2022.
