Messi’s cup of joy

MIAMI, July 15

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Argentina won a record 16th Copa America title by beating Colombia 1-0 thanks to an extra-time goal from Lautaro Martinez on Sunday after the final was delayed for over an hour due to thousands of ticketless fans trying to get into stadium. Martinez, who came off the bench in extra time, 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 at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Argentina’s latest title comes on the back of their triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America, and gives eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi the perfect sendoff in what is likely his last international tournament. Messi appeared to hurt his ankle in the 36th minute after a collision and eventually limped off in the 66th minute. “Messi had to leave because of that ankle problem but finally we were able to give him some joy,” said Angel di Maria, who jointly lifted the trophy alongside captain Messi and Nicolas Otamendi at the presentation ceremony.

The win, which saw Argentina move ahead of Uruguay after the pair had been tied on 15 Copa titles, marked di Maria’s final international match. Defender Otamendi, 36, is also set to end his international career.

South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL pushed the start time of the match back three times after video on social media showed security scuffling with fans as they ran across the concourses and attempted to breach the gates. A witness saw several people being ejected from the stadium by security staff. — Reuters