Copa America: Argentina Edge Colombia In Final

 

Argentina have lifted their 16th Copa America title, with their biggest star Lionel Messi likely bidding farewell to international football.

The game in the US city of Miami, which was delayed by more than an hour after thousands of fans without tickets tried to enter the stadium, was a cagey affair for more than 90 minutes but opened up in the extra period on Sunday.

Lautaro Martinez, the tournament’s leading scorer, latched onto a precise through ball from Giovani Lo Celso before lifting his effort over advancing Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute to spark wild celebrations among Argentina fans.

Just inside the penalty area, Martinez sent a right-foot shot through the upraised arms of sliding goalkeeper Camilo Vargas for his 29th international goal, his tournament-high fifth.

Argentina’s latest title, their 16th Copa win, comes on the back of their triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America and gives eight-times Ballon d’Or winner Messi the perfect sendoff in what could be his last international tournament.

The win also marked Angel Di Maria’s final Argentina match after the 36-year-old said last year he would retire from international football after the Copa, while defender Nicolas Otamendi, 36, is also set to end his international career.

“The truth is, this was written, it was this way,” Di Maria said. “I dreamed it, I dreamed that I would arrive to the final and win it and retire in this way.

“I have so many beautiful feelings and I am eternally grateful to this generation and today I am leaving in this way with a title.”

Making his 39th and possibly last Copa America appearance at age 37, Messi had one goal in the tournament. He went down after an ankle was stepped on in the first half but remained in the game.

Messi looked to the bench as soon as he fell to the field in the second half, appearing to know his tournament was over. He took off his right boot as he walked off and slammed it in frustration and his ankle appeared swollen. With his right foot bare, he stood by the bench and raised his arms while teammates ran onto the field when Martinez scored.

- SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES