Argentina vs Colombia – Copa America final 2024: Martinez spares Messi tears to lift trophy after fan chaos
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LAUTARO MARTINEZ'S extra-time winner has fired Argentina to a second successive Copa America creating 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.
- LIVE RESULT: Argentina 1 Colombia 0
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Argentina 0-0 Colombia
60. Argentina is putting relentless pressure on Colombia and continues to nearly miss taking a lead.
Angel Di Maria and Alexis Mac Allister each have their shots blocked in the 57th and 58th minute.
Analysis from Hard Rock Stadium
The U.S. Sun's Steve Brenner shares his latest thoughts on the Copa America final.
"Davidson Sanchez, the Colombian defensive rock, just headed over.
"The boys in yellow carry on creating the best chances. They just need to take one.
"If they don't Argentina have the quality to make them seriously pay.
"Tempers beginning to boil over here on a typically sultry Floridian night.
"Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had to be held back after Angel Di Maria was fouled. It's the liveliest Argentina have looked all night."
Score: Argentina 0-0 Colombia
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
51. Colombia's Luis Diaz goes down for a short moment with an injury scare but play continues shortly later.
We are eight minutes into the second half and still locked in a 0-0 tie.
If the game ends in a tie, extra time will be played.
We are back!
The second half has begun with a bang.
Colombia's Santiago Arias nearly nails a right-footed shot from the right side of the box.
Argentina misses an opportunity of their own as Angel Di Maria's left-footed shot is saved.
Score: Argentina 0 Colombia 0
Lionel Messi given extra time to recover
The U.S. Sun's Bob Williams shares some insight on Messi's injury heading into the second half.
"Lionel Messi has been given an extra 10 minutes to work on his injured ankle thanks to the extended 25-minute halftime break.
"Could prove crucial for Argentina in the second half."
Opinions of the halftime show from inside the stadium
The U.S. Sun's Steve Brenner shares some insight on what Shakira's halftime show meant to Colombia.
"Penny for the players' thoughts as they wait in the locker rooms for this to finish.
"The Colombia coach argued beforehand that the extra time taken to stage this "show" could affect his side's performance.
"The regulation break is normally 15 minutes. This will take it to 25 minutes.
"Unacceptable really. Let's see how the second half starts, if it ever starts..
"And there she goes. Now, hopefully, a soccer match will break out."
Fans praise the halftime show
Soccer fans are raving about Shakira's halftime performance.
Shakira graces the stage!
Shakira has opened her Copa America final performance with her hit song Hips Don't Lie.
The minute the music played the crowd erupted.
Iconic announcer introduces Shakira
Boxing announcer Michael Buffer, who is known for his phrase 'Let's Get Ready to Rumble' announces Shakira.
Let's see if she packs a punch with her halftime show - a first for a Copa America Final.
Miami-Dade Sheriff candidate Joe Sanchez makes a statement
First-half analysis from inside the stadium
The U.S. Sun's Steve Brenner shares his thoughts on the Copa America final first half.
"Pretty forgettable first half there.
"Colombia looked the more lively, but Martinez only really made one save of note.
"Anyway, enough of this soccer nonsense. Here's the reason everyone is here - it's Shakira.
Score: Argentina 0 Colombia 0
Messi is back on the field
Lionel Messi is back on the field and in the game after suffering an injury scare just moments ago.
Messi is walking with a clear limp.
Messi's injury from inside the stadium
The U.S Sun's Steve Brenner had the latest on Messi's injury scare.
"Messi looks in trouble here. He seemed to land awkwardly on his ankle."
"Argentine fans hold their collective breath.
"He's walking, albeit with a grimace. Lionel can take a kick or two, that's for sure."
Messi is down on pitch with 'ankle injury'
Lionel Messi is down on the field grabbing at his ankle and is being checked by trainers right now.
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
32. A missed opportunity from Colombia as they missed a shot on the center of the box and failed to do anything with a corner kick!
Eight minutes plus added time remain in the first half as teams remain at a 0-0 tie.
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
27. We have our first yellow card handed out of the match!
Colombia's Jhon Cordoba is given a yellow card after his foul on Argentina's Lisandro Martinez.
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
20. Lionel Messi shoots from the center of the box but it is saved by Colombia's Camilo Vargas!
Angel Di Maria assisted Messi with a cross before the shot but nothing comes of it.
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
17. Colombia has controlled the ball more than Argentina up to this point with 57% compared to Argentina's 42%.
Argentina does not have a shot on goal but Colombia has secured two so far.
Each team has a corner kick here in the first half.
Analysis from inside the stadium
"I think it's going to turn out bad back here," said someone in a group of six with valid tickets yet are unable to enter.
"People are losing it," disgraceful lack of organization from CONEMBOL - the soccer federation of South America.
Looks like Colombia fans - ticket holders or not - are making up the majority of the crowd here. Their team has made a decent start too
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
7. Off the post!
Colombia's Jhon Cordoba hits the left post with a shot from the center of the box.
We continue deadlocked at 0-0.
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
5. What a save by Argentina's Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez!
Colombia's Luis Diaz nailed a right-footed shot from outside the box but it is saved in the bottom left corner.
Argentina 0-0 Colombia
3. Argentina earns the first corner kick of the Copa America final.
It is conceded by Jefferson Lerma.
We are underway!
The Copa America final is underway between Argentina and Colombia.
Argentine's Julian Alvarez missed an early goal on a right-footed shot from the center of the box in the first minute.
Starting lineups are taking the field
The Copa America final appears ready to kick off at its delayed 9:15 pm ET start.
Players are lining up to listen to the national anthems.
Fans are still struggling to enter
Fans have reported getting to their seats and having them occupied by .
Even spectators with VIP tickets are struggling to enter Hard Rock Stadium.
The start time is still scheduled for 9:15 pm ET, but could be subject to change again.