DEFENDING champions Argentina won a record 16th Copa America title by beating Colombia 1-0 thanks to an extra-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday.
Martinez, the tournament’s leading scorer, latched onto a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso before lifting his effort over advancing Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute to spark wild celebrations among Argentina fans.
Argentina’s latest title comes on the back of their triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America and gives eight-times Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi the perfect sendoff in what is likely his last international tournament.
The game was delayed by more than an hour after thousands of fans without tickets tried to enter the stadium.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi limped off with an apparent ankle injury in the second half on Sunday, bringing an end to what is likely the 37-year-old’s last international tournament.
The Inter Miami forward went down off the ball in the 64th minute and left the field to a standing ovation from fans at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
The eight-times Ballon d’Or winner was then seen sobbing on the sidelines, with an ice pack on his ankle.
Messi appeared to hurt his ankle in the 36th minute after a collision with Santiago Arias and while he got back to his feet after receiving treatment he was clearly hampered for the remainder of the half.
- Additional report courtesy of Reuters
Eighteen-Eleven Media