Copa America 2024 Final: Argentina Beats Colombia 1-0 To Lift Record 16th Title. Argentina successfully defended its Copa America title as reigning champions defeating Colombia 1-0. The Lionel Messi-led team won its 16th Copa America title with a goal by Lautaro Martinez in the 112th minute of play. As such, Argentina emerged as the first-ever team to win two consecutive Copa Americas and the FIFA World Cup.
It was a dramatic, nail-biting match between Argentina and Colombia. The final was delayed for over 75 minutes after fans crashed the main entry gates. Fans broke through the southwest gate at Hard Rock Stadium. This prompted security personnel to come down hard, and tackle down fans. The security breach also led to Argentina and Colombia teams being taken off the field. The Stadium also went into lockdown.
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The Hard Rock Stadium, in an official statement, said thousands of fans without tickets attempted to forcibly enter the arena, putting other fans, security and law enforcement officers at extreme risk. Dangerous scenes in and around the stadium went viral on social media.
But soon enough, things were under control and the match began. Argentina dominated the game with balanced possession. Colombia failed to take advantage of two clear chances from outside the box in the 33rd minute and 40th minute with Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez making an excellent save.
The second half was intense as both teams desperately tried to secure a goal. Argentina recorded a setback when a visibly injured captain Lionel Messi was substituted for Nicolas Gonzalez in the 65th minute. But the reigning champion kept up the pressure and momentum, and achieved a score from the leading scorer of the tournament Lautaro Martinez in the 112th minute of extra time.
