By Victor Kanayo
Argentina early Monday morning squeezed out a hard-earned result against spirited Columbia in the final of the 2024 Copa America.
The outcome of the match ensured that the Argentines won the grilling encounter 1-0 to lift a 16th Copa America.
It was striker Lautaro Martinez who scored an extra-time winner at Hard Rock Stadium to make the difference.
Martinez eventually finished the tournament with five goals.
Before the game which was delayed by over one hour kicked off, fans trouble erupted from the entrance area, a similar situation that had engulfed the tournament.
The win makes Argentina the first-ever nation to win two consecutive Copa Américas and the World Cup in between them.
Messi’s squad matches 2008-2012 Spain as the only country to make an equally dominant run. It also snaps a 28-game unbeaten streak for Colombia squad.
There were tears before the celebrations, though with Argentina captain Lionel Messi going off injured in the 66th minute watching the rest of the game distraught on the bench.
There was also an emotional farewell for Angel Di Maria in his final game for the national team.
The match played at night in United States and early morning in parts of Europe and Africa, ensured that Colombia, whose only title came in the 2001 Copa America, were denied again.
