Argentina vs Colombia – Copa America final 2024: Blue and Whites win back-to-back titles despite Lionel Messi injury

LAUTARO Martinez’s extra-time winner helped Argentina create history in Miami.

The Inter Milan striker leaped off the bench to rifle home in the 112th minute as Lionel Scaloni’s side became the first South American team to win three consecutive trophies.

Winning the Copa in 2021, and then the World Cup a year later set Scaloni up for success and this win, amid a backdrop of shameful scenes outside Hard Rock Stadium before kick-off, sealed the deal for the Albiceleste.

Lionel Messi was forced off in the second half with a badly swollen ankle in a game which was delayed for around 80 minutes after ticketless fans stormed into the stadium ahead of the start.

CONMEBOL, the South American soccer federation, has plenty of questions to answer about the appalling organization and security which saw some fans who had paid $2,000 unable to get to their seats.

The game was awful – Colombia, on a terrific 28-game unbeaten run, looking the most likely to win it, yet couldn’t turn their possession into goals.

Messi was bawling his eyes out as he sat on the bench – yet his countrymen were crying tears of joy at the end as they retained their Copa America crown.

• Score: Argentina 1 Colombia 0
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