Credit: Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images
Lionel Messi and Argentina won their second and historic 16th Copa America title this Sunday, defeating Colombia 1-0 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Despite the pre-match excitement, the first half of football was largely uneventful.
Both teams had chances to score but missed.
Messi, playing his last game for Argentina, limped off in pain in the 35th minute. He stood up and walked cautiously towards the bench before returning to the pitch to continue the game as he waited for a sign that the Argentine superstar would be fine to keep the fans in the stadium quiet.
The first half ended goalless and Shakira cheered at halftime.
Messi went down in pain again in the 65th minute. This time it appeared to be a non-contact injury. Nico Gonzalez replaced Messi.
According to the FOX broadcast, Messi's ankle was swollen and he felt “a lot of pain”.
It looked like the first goal of the game was scored in the 75th minute. However, Argentina's Nicolas Tagliafico was ruled offside and the goal was disallowed.
Credit: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
The two teams continued to exchange chances, but eventually went into extra time tied at 0-0.
Lautaro Martínez, who came on in the 96th minute, scored in the 112th minute to give the Albiceleste the lead.
As the Argentina fans celebrated, Martinez jumped over the side fences and ran close to the crowd to celebrate the winning goal as his teammates greeted him. One of those teammates is a happy Messi.
In the final minutes of extra time, Colombia did their best to equalise, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez took the lead.
Exhausted and exhilarated, the Argentinian players celebrated together on the field as the final whistle blew. Messi had a big smile on his face as the Argentina fans chanted for their team.
Having won in 2021, Argentina has now overtaken Uruguay as the nation that has won the most Copa America titles.
Lionel Scaloni. Credit: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
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