Argentina retain Copa América title after historic win over Colombia

It was a dramatic night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami as two South American heavyweights went head-to-head. One looked to retain the trophy, while the other looked to maintain a historic unbeaten run.

But before the match could even start, dangerous scenes in and around the stadium forced the game to be delayed about an hour and a half.

Once the teams entered the pitch, it was electric action with challenges flying. Julián Álvarez almost scored in the first 40 seconds before James Rodríguez’s corner kicks fell just short while Jhon Córdoba hit the post.

Argentina faced a huge scare when Lionel Messi appeared unable to continue when a challenge from Santiago Arias injured his ankle. However, after hobbling out the late end of the first half, he emerged for the second.

The final continued to deliver drama, and Colombia regretted their missed opportunities as Argentina grew into the game. The holders were also enraged as two potential handball calls fell on deaf ears.

Davinson Sánchez later had a header go wide before Ángel Di María missed a chance for glory at the other end.

Things then turned worse for Argentina. Unable to continue, Messi was forced off the pitch and left in tears on the bench. Minutes later, Gonzalo Montiel was also forced off injured.

Messi’s replacement, Nicolás González, had the ball in the back of the net but VAR ruled his strike out for offside. Colombia were relieved but showed tired legs – almost allowing Ángel Di María a chance to win it at the death.

The match then went into extra time and Colombia hauled off James meaning both sides were without their stars. González had the best change for the opener but Camilo Vargas made a huge stop right on the line. Argentina then called in the cavalry.

Substitute Lautaro Martínez was the eventual hero as the Golden Boot leader delivered his fifth goal of the tournament. He split two centre-backs and finished expertly to see things end 1-0 before running over to injured Messi to celebrate.

It means Argentina now have a tournament record 16 Copa América titles to their name, and Colombia’s two-year-long unbeaten run ends.