World soccer champions Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in Monday’s Copa America final, cementing a record 16th continental title, thanks to an extra-time game winner from substitute Lautaro Martínez.
Plagued by security issues that marred the lead-up to the event at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, the final was initially a cagey affair that leaned toward a more proactive Colombia. During a combative first half, Argentine star Lionel Messi suffered an ankle injury, which later forced his substitution.
Despite this, Argentina held tight and maintained a 0-0 scoreline by the end of the regulation 90 minutes. Without their Inter Miami CF talisman in extra time, La Albiceleste regained momentum and a trophy via Martínez’s 112th-minute goal.
The result marks the first back-to-back Copa titles for Argentina in the 21st century. Colombia meanwhile still has a lone Copa trophy in hand, which was claimed back in 2001.
In a match that started one hour, 20 minutes late because of crowd trouble at Hard Rock Stadium, Argentina won its third straight major title following the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup and matched Spain, which won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships around the 2010 World Cup.
Argentina also stopped Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten streak dating to a February 2022 loss to the Albiceleste.
Martínez entered in the 97th minute and scored from Giovani Lo Celso’s perfect through pass. Just inside the penalty area, to Martínez sent a right-foot shot through the upraised arms of sliding goalkeeper Camilo Vargas for his 29th international goal, his tournament-high fifth.
