Photo: Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images
Lionel Messi and Argentina won their second and historic 16th Copa America title on Sunday, beating Colombia 1-0 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Despite the hectic atmosphere leading up to the match, the first half of the football was largely calm.
Both teams had chances to open the scoring but missed them.
In his last match for Argentina, Messi was taken ill in the 35th minute and the 37-year-old will remain on the pitch while receiving medical treatment. With the crowd in the stadium silent, waiting for a sign that the Argentine star will be okay, he stood up and walked cautiously to the bench before returning to the pitch to continue playing.
The first half ended in a goalless draw, and Shakira strengthened the break.
In the 65th minute, Messi fell again in pain. This time it appeared to be a non-contact injury. A visibly affected Messi was replaced by Nico Gonzalez.
According to Fox News, Messi’s ankle was swollen and he felt “a lot of pain.”
In the 75th minute, it seemed that the match had scored its first goal. However, the Argentine Nicolas Tagliafico was declared offside and the goal was disallowed.
Photo: Charlie Tribalo/AFP via Getty Images
The two teams continued to exchange chances but eventually went to extra time with the score 0-0.
Lautaro Martinez, who came on in the 96th minute, scored in the 112th minute to give Albiceleste the lead.
As the Argentine fans celebrated, Martinez jumped over the side fences and ran close to the crowd before being met by his teammates to celebrate the winning goal. One of those teammates was a jubilant Messi.
In the final minutes of extra time, Colombia did its best to search for an equaliser, but managed to equalise thanks to Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Exhausted and excited, the Argentine players celebrated together on the pitch when the final whistle blew. Messi had a broad smile on his face as he hugged his teammates and coaches while the Argentine fans cheered for their team.
Argentina, who won in 2021, overtakes Uruguay as the country with the most Copa America titles.
Lionel Scaloni. Photo: Charlie Triballo/AFP via Getty Images
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