Argentina clinched a historic 16th Copa America title with an extra-time 1-0 win against Colombia on Sunday at Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium.
The decisive goal came in the 112th minute when Lautaro Martinez, a late substitute, scored off a precise pass from Giovani Lo Celso.
The match remained goalless through regular time, with both sides fighting hard beyond 90 minutes for a winner to emerge.
Despite Colombia’s efforts in the second half, with Santiago Arias and Davinson Sánchez coming close to scoring, Argentina’s defense held firm under pressure.
Lionel Messi sustained an ankle injury in the 36th minute following a clash with Arias, affecting his performance for the rest of the first half. Messi was substituted in the 66th minute.
The victory was bittersweet as it is expected to be Messi’s final appearance for the national team, following Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win and 2021 Copa America triumph.
The victory also marked the end of international careers for Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi, who are retiring from the national team at 36 years old.
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