Argentina Clinches Record 16th Copa America Title in Dramatic Fashion

Defending champions Argentina secured their 16th Copa America title by defeating Colombia 1-0. Lautaro Martinez scored in extra time at Hard Rock Stadium, marking another triumph for Lionel Messi in possibly his last international tournament. The match was delayed due to fans without tickets trying to enter the stadium.

In a thrilling climax to the Copa America, defending champions Argentina clinched their 16th title by defeating Colombia with a 1-0 scoreline, thanks to an extra-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez. The match took place at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday.

Martinez, the tournament's leading scorer, received a pinpoint through ball from Giovani Lo Celso and skillfully chipped it over Colombia's advancing goalkeeper, Camilo Vargas, in the 112nd minute. The goal triggered wild celebrations among Argentine fans. This victory follows Argentina's recent triumphs in the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America, providing a fitting sendoff for eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, likely playing his last international tournament.

The game, however, was delayed by more than an hour as thousands of fans without tickets attempted to enter the stadium, creating chaos outside the venue.

(With inputs from agencies.)