soccer - Argentine defends Copa America title - Messi injured
World Champion Argentinian once again wins Copa-America title. The team led by superstar Lionel Messi won in Miami in the final against Colombia after extra time with a score of 1:0 (0:0). For the 37-year-old Messi, the game ended prematurely in tears. The superstar was injured in the 66th minute of the game without any opponent interference and had to be substituted out with what could be his last major tournament.
The match began with a delay of nearly an hour and a half due to some fans breaking through the barriers around the stadium and illegally entering the field before the kickoff.
With the now 16th Copa title, Argentina is the sole record champion. Three years ago, Argentina won its first title since 1991 against Uruguay. Colombia missed its second Copa title in history since 2001. The day before, Uruguay won the third-place game with 4:3 on penalties against Canada.
Shakira sang during halftime
With the kickoff, the 37-year-old Messi set another record: He is the first player to participate in five finals of the South American Championship. For the multiple World Footballer, it was also a home game, as he is under contract with Inter Miami in the USA. The game did not start well for Argentina: Colombia put pressure from the beginning but was not effective enough. Argentina struggled at first.
With a score of 0:0 at halftime, there was a novelty: Popstar Shakira performed in the American Football stadium - just like the halftime show during the Super Bowl in American Football. The break was extended from 15 to 25 minutes on this occasion. Colombia's trainer Néstor Lorenzo had already complained before the game about the potential cold for the players due to the extended break.
Farewell of Di María from the National Team
After restart, the game was marked by many fouls. The game went to extra time, which was specifically introduced for the final. In the previous games, it went directly to penalty shootouts in case of a draw.
After a beautiful team effort, Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal in the 112th minute with a score of 1:0. Shortly thereafter, Ángel Di María received a big farewell - under tears, the 36-year-old was substituted out in his last game for Argentina.
The Blue-and-white jerseys of Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, celebrated another Copa America victory in the United States of America. Shakira, a renowned Colombian singer, performed during halftime, adding a unique twist to the South American Championship. In the final against Colombia, Argentina secured their 16th title, while Lionel Messi set a new record by participating in his fifth Copa America final. Despite Colombia's initial pressure, Argentina struggled but managed to score the winning goal in extra time, turning the tide of the game. As emotions ran high in the late stages of the match, 36-year-old Ángel Di Mariá received a heartfelt farewell from the audience, marking his last game for Argentina.
