Argentina emerged victorious in the Copa America championship for the second consecutive time, despite Lionel Messi’s injury during the match. The team secured a 1-0 victory against Colombia with Lautaro Martínez’s goal in the 112th minute. However, the win didn’t come without challenges.
During the 64th minute, Messi suffered a non-contact injury while running and falling. He expressed his distress by covering his face with his hands and sobbing on the bench. Despite his absence on the field, Martínez’s goal served as a pivotal moment for Argentina, leading them to their 16th Copa America title.
The match itself was delayed for over an hour due to crowd trouble at Hard Rock Stadium. This victory also marked Argentina’s third consecutive major title, following their success in the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup. By achieving this feat, Argentina joined the ranks of Spain, who won the 2008 and 2012 European Championships around the 2010 World Cup.
In addition to clinching the championship, Argentina put an end to Colombia’s impressive unbeaten streak of 28 games, dating back to their loss against Argentina in February 2022. Martínez’s goal was made possible by Leandro Paredes’ ball recovery and Giovani Lo Celso’s perfectly timed through pass.
The match concluded well past midnight, with Messi calling upon his senior teammates, Nicolás Ottamendi and Ángel Di María, to lift the trophy alongside him. Di María, who announced his retirement from the national team, expressed his gratitude towards this generation of players who helped him achieve his dreams.
Despite sustaining an ankle injury earlier in the game, Messi bravely continued playing until his second-half fall. Frustration was evident as he removed his boot and slammed it on the ground while walking off the field. His right ankle appeared to swell, indicating the severity of his injury.
The start of the match was delayed due to crowd control issues outside the stadium, including fans breaching security gates. This incident occurred at a venue that is set to host the 2026 World Cup. The chaos highlighted the difficulty in managing ticket sales and ensuring the safety of attendees.
Both teams displayed determination and aggression throughout the game. Colombia’s relentless attacks forced Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, to make four saves in the first half. However, Argentina gained momentum in the second half and began to threaten Colombia’s defense.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Argentina managed to secure the victory. The match saw numerous players losing their footing, possibly due to heavily watered grass during the extended halftime break following an energetic performance by Colombian pop star Shakira.
James Rodríguez of Colombia was recognized as the best player of the tournament, showcasing his skill and talent throughout the competition.
In conclusion, Argentina’s triumph in the Copa America championship for the second consecutive time is a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite Messi’s injury, the team rallied together and emerged victorious. This victory adds to Argentina’s rich football history and solidifies their status as a football powerhouse.
