Argentina Clinches Record 16th Copa America Title with Extra-Time Victory Over Colombia
Argentina won their record 16th Copa America championship, defeating Colombia 1-0 in an exciting game at Hard Rock Stadium.
Argentina prevailed thanks to a goal by Lautaro Martinez in extra time. The match was delayed by 82 minutes due to crowd disturbances and security concerns. Argentina’s triumph in this big event is their third straight after winning the Copa America in 2021 and the World Cup in 2022.
Before the festivities began, though, there were tears. In the 66th minute, Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi was hurt and spent the remainder of the match in agony on the sidelines. In addition, Angel Di Maria had an emotional send-off in his last match as a member of the national team.
It was a dismal night for Colombia, whose lone championship came in the 2001 Copa America, as not much seemed to go right for Nestor Lorenzo’s squad.
Fans accused the lack of an effective admission system for the turmoil surrounding stadium entry, while organizers blamed supporters for attempting to enter without tickets.
The circumstances were concerning, with some supporters in critical condition due to heat exhaustion; nonetheless, the crisis was mostly addressed and the game was eventually played on when it was decided to quickly fling open the gates without any security checks.
Jhon Corboba of Colombia had a speculative effort that went just wide of the post in the seventh minute, but neither team was able to establish any momentum early on.
In the 20th minute, Camilo Vargas of Colombia stopped Messi’s left-footed attempt after Di Maria sent a low ball into the box.
Colombia appeared more energetic in the first half, and they had a chance in the 33rd minute when Jefferson Lerma attempted a low shot from 25 yards out, forcing Emiliano Martinez to make a diving stop.
When Messi dribbled to the byline in the 36th minute, Santiago Arias’ sliding challenge, which was judged fair, stopped him, raising concerns and necessitated medical attention for the Argentine captain.
Messi then curled a free kick in from the left flank, but Nicolas Tagliafico’s header missed the mark. Messi currently plays club football in Miami.
At least the Colombian singer Shakira provided some entertainment for the crowd during the interval, but after that the first half had been lackluster and didn’t get much better.
After Argentina failed to stop a corner kick from James Rodriguez, the ball looped to Davinson Sanchez, who was unable to stop his header from going over the bar.
When Di Maria made one of his signature runs in from the left, forcing Vargas to make a save, the Colombian goalkeeper turned the ball wide of the post. That was finally some of the expected quality.
Then, when Messi was running in midfield, he tumbled down without making contact with the ball. Clearly in pain, he left the game in the 66th minute to be replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez, dealing a serious blow to Argentina’s chances. Messi could not contain his emotions as he sat in tears on the sideline, suggesting that this may have been his final big event.
When Tagliafico found Gonzalez in the area, the Argentine fans thought they had won when Gonzalez beat Vargas with a low drive, but the shot was disallowed for offside.
After a flick from Jorge Carrascal, Miguel Borja had a half-chance in extra time, but a deserving winner sealed the victory.
With a well-timed tackle, Leandro Paredes won the ball for Argentina in midfield. Giovani Lo Celso then found Martinez, who was moving freely and confidently finished with a first-time pass that was ideal for him.
Also Read: Lionel Messi Leads Argentina to Historic Copa America Victory Over Brazil in 2021
Argentina Coach Lionel Scaloni Praises Team’s Resilience After Historic Copa America Win
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, expressed his ongoing amazement at his squad’s capacity to win after his side defeated Colombia 1-0 in extra time in the Copa America final on Sunday.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, expressed his ongoing amazement at his squad’s capacity to win after his side defeated Colombia 1-0 in extra time in the Copa America final on Sunday. Argentina has now won three consecutive major tournament titles, becoming them the first South American team to do so.
The Albiceleste successfully defended their Copa title in the USA and followed up their 2021 Copa America title with the World Cup victory a year later. After winning the 2008 and 2012 European Championships either side of the 2010 World Cup, Spain became the only other team in international football history to win a World Cup in between two consecutive continental titles.
“I don’t know if it marks an era, but it’s true this team never ceases to surprise, they overcame the difficulties of a very difficult match, with a very complicated opponent and without a good first half,” Scaloni stated.
“In the second half I think we improved and deserved to win and then always in extra time, in the long run the team always finds something extra, so it’s gratifying to see them play and I’m eternally grateful for the way they give their all,” he stated.
Scaloni expressed his immense joy at witnessing the nation’s supporters rejoice once more.
“I’m very happy because the people are happy, they have a moment of happiness and that’s what the players play for, that’s what those of us who manage the national team are here for, for the people to identify with the team,” he stated.
Winger Angel Di Maria declared he would retire following this tournament, although Scaloni indicated he would like him to play one more game on home soil. The game marked the end of an era for Di Maria.
“Di Maria has played in some incredible matches, but this one was among his greatest. In addition to his skill, he demonstrated a strong work ethic during a point in the game when his legs failed him, beginning to sprint as if he were 25 years old.
“He’s a legend; there’s no way to persuade him to continue, but since he deserves it, perhaps you could at least play one more show and bid his followers farewell. Because of how his story concluded, it’s like a movie,” Scaloni remarked at a press conference.
The victory of her nation over England in the Euro final in Berlin, according to Scaloni, whose wife Elisa is Spanish, made the day doubly happy.
With a well-timed tackle, Leandro Paredes won the ball for Argentina in midfield. Giovani Lo Celso then found Martinez, who was moving freely and confidently finished with a first-time pass that was ideal for him.
