Argentina received report sixteenth Copa America title after extra-time aim from Lautaro Martinez; closing delayed for over an hour with 1000’s of ticketless followers attempting to enter stadium; Martinez aim sparked wild celebrations on the Exhausting Rock Stadium after Lionel Messi earlier taken off injured
8:42, UK, Monday 15 July 2024
A aim deep into extra-time by Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina a 1-0 win over Colombia and a record-breaking sixteenth Copa America title.
Argentina misplaced a tearful Lionel Messi to harm halfway by means of the second half of a recreation delayed by greater than an hour by crowd points, however Martinez got here off the bench within the further half-hour to make sure his captain would elevate a 3rd successive main trophy.
The win in Miami adopted 2021 Copa America success and the World Cup triumph in 2022.
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Messi along with his winner’s medal
The match kicked off an hour and 20 minutes late after safety closed gates on the Exhausting Rock Stadium, one of many websites for the 2026 World Cup, after followers tried to enter the stadium with out tickets.
When it did get underneath manner, Manchester Metropolis’s Julian Alvarez had an early likelihood for the defending champions however Colombia made the brighter begin with Liverpool’s Luis Diaz forcing an early save from Camilo Vargas whereas Jhon Cordoba struck a put up.
Alvarez inadvertently blocked an effort from Messi, who went down with what seemed like an ankle harm earlier than the break however was in a position to swing in a free-kick which Nicolas Tagliafico headed over.
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Messi needed to be withdrawn within the second half as a result of harm
The second half noticed each groups have spells on the entrance foot, however neither facet had been in a position to seize management – Angel Di Maria, in his final worldwide look, forcing a few saves from Vargas.
Messi went down once more simply after the hour and this time was unable to proceed, limping off to observe on in tears from the bench.
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Lionel Messi was visibly emotional after being compelled off in Copa America closing
Gonzalez had the perfect likelihood of the primary interval of extra-time, however may solely shoot straight at Vargas following Rodrigo De Paul’s cut-back.
Lisandro Martinez produced a wonderful block on Miguel Borja as time ran out and inside moments Argentina had been forward.
De Paul received the ball close to midway, discovering Lautaro Martinez who exchanged passes with fellow substitute Giovani Lo Celso and the event’s prime scorer made no mistake to finish Colombia’s run of 28 unbeaten video games.
Overcrowding mars closing
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Colombia followers wait to enter the stadium after kick-off was delayed for over an hour
South American soccer’s governing physique CONMEBOL pushed the beginning time of the match again 3 times after movies on social media confirmed safety struggling with followers as they ran throughout the concourses and tried to breach the gates of the Exhausting Rock Stadium.
Based on reviews, a number of individuals had been ejected from the stadium by safety workers on the venue, which can host matches through the 2026 World Cup.
“It was laborious as a result of many had their households outdoors, they did not know what was occurring,” Argentina and Tottenham defender Cristian Romero advised reporters. “It did not look like a closing, there was loads of commotion and loads of concern.”
A Exhausting Rock Stadium assertion, launched on Monday, learn: “All through the afternoon and night, there have been quite a few makes an attempt by unruly followers with out tickets to overpower safety and legislation enforcement personnel at entry factors to the stadium, placing themselves, different followers and safety and stadium workers at excessive danger.
“Varied stadium gates had been closed and re-opened strategically in an try to permit ticketed friends to enter safely and in a managed method. Followers continued to have interaction in unlawful conduct – combating law enforcement officials, breaking down partitions and barricades and vandalising the stadium, inflicting vital injury to the property.
“When it grew to become obvious that it will not be secure to start out the match at 8pm, a joint choice was made to postpone. Shortly after 8pm, stadium officers, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and legislation enforcement officers communicated and determined to open stadium gates for a brief time frame to all followers to stop stampedes and critical harm on the perimeter. The gates had been then closed as soon as the specter of followers being crushed was alleviated. At the moment, the venue was at capability and gates weren’t re-opened.”
Sky Sports activities Information has contacted FIFA and CONMEBOL for additional remark.
