Lionel Messi exited the match in the second half due to an apparent right leg injury.
Lautaro Martinez secured Argentina a consecutive Copa América title and a third straight major tournament victory with his extra-time goal on Sunday night.
Martinez scored in the 112th minute, leading Argentina to a 1-0 win over Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium. He took a shot from the right, beating Colombia’s goalkeeper Camilo Vargas. Martinez, who had entered the game in the 97th minute, scored his fifth goal of the tournament, making him the top scorer.
Argentina had to play nearly half the match without Messi, who left in the 65th minute after suffering an injury. He was quickly replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez. Messi, clearly distressed, limped off the field and was seen in tears on the bench, possibly realizing it might be his last major tournament appearance for Argentina.
Messi’s injury was evident by the start of extra time, as TV cameras showed his swollen ankle. Shortly after Martinez’s goal, Angel Di Maria was substituted by Nicolas Otamendi in the 117th minute. This match was Di Maria’s final appearance for Argentina, and he, too, was emotional upon leaving the pitch. Di Maria shared a hug with a smiling Messi.
Argentina’s victory marks their 16th Copa América title. They had previously won the tournament in 2021, defeating Brazil 1-0, their first major title of the Messi era, and then clinched the World Cup the following year against France in a memorable penalty shootout. Messi, who did not retire from international football after the World Cup, played in the same city as his current club, Inter Miami, but struggled to make a significant impact due to his injury.
Colombia had more possession and shots but Argentina was the more dangerous team throughout the match. This was Colombia’s third Copa América final, having previously lost in 1975 and won as host in 2001.
The match was delayed over an hour due to chaotic scenes at Hard Rock Stadium. Fans crowded the gates, many without tickets, leading organizers to close and then reopen the gates without ticket checks.
During the game, CONCACAF clarified that it was not responsible for the tournament, which is run by CONMEBOL, South America’s governing body.