Copa America 2024: Argentina win Miami final amid chaotic crowd scenes and tearful Messi farewell

CNN
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Argentina claimed a third straight major title with an extra-time win over Colombia in Miami on Sunday, while Lionel Messi is likely to bid farewell to international football in the Copa America final that was postponed due to crowd trouble.

Substitute striker Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in extra time to give the world champions a 1-0 win, ending Colombia’s 28-match unbeaten run and giving Argentina a record 16th Copa America title.

This came after a difficult match that witnessed the participation of the Argentine captain. MessiThe 37-year-old was substituted in the second half with an apparent ankle injury in what is likely to be his last match in a major international tournament.

The football legend was visibly emotional as he watched the game unfold from the bench while nursing his swollen right ankle.

But the tears turned to cheers at the final whistle when Messi embraced his teammates and coaches with a big smile before lifting the trophy as jubilant Argentine fans sang for the heroes.

The scenes of celebration were the culmination of a chaotic night in Florida, where the start of the game at the 65,300-seat Hard Rock Stadium was delayed for more than an hour after “thousands of ticketless fans attempted to force their way into the stadium,” according to a stadium spokesman.

Photos and videos from outside the stadium showed a heavy crowd, with distressed women and children among thousands of fans trapped outside the gates. At least one image showed fans falling on top of each other at a collapsed crash barrier.

Video broadcast by CNN affiliate WSVN also showed some fans climbing over the stadium walls in an attempt to get inside.

It is not yet clear if any fans or security personnel were injured.

The stadium spokesman said in an update that the gates were later reopened “for a short period of time to all fans in order to prevent stampedes and serious injuries in the vicinity of the stadium.”

“There was serious concern that fans would be crushed while trying to enter. Law enforcement and security personnel were immediately deployed throughout the stadium and surrounding area to keep fans as safe as possible in light of this unprecedented situation,” the update said.

miami-dade police department He said Several incidents occurred “as a result of unruly behaviour and fans trying to gain access to the stadium”.

CNN has reached out to police for more information.

In a joint statement, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Chief Public Safety Officer James Reyes said they were “outraged by the unprecedented events” and that authorities would investigate what led to the chaos.

“Let us be clear: this situation should never have happened and cannot happen again,” the statement said.

The scenes are likely to worry FIFA, which has agreed to host the 2026 World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium. The Copa America is organised by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).

The unrest in Miami on Sunday comes after Colombia’s semi-final win over Uruguay in Charlotte, North Carolina, was marred by Unpalatable scenes.

Tempers were frayed on Wednesday after a tense match when players from both teams clashed on the pitch before live television images showed Uruguay players entering the stands and brawling with fans.

This story has been updated with additional information.