Argentina have done it! Lionel Messi and co. held their nerves to defeat Colombia 1-0 in what was a nail-biting final of the Copa America at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Despite a full-fledged offensive play from Colombia right from the start, Argentina managed to end the deadlock in the second half of the extra time as Lautaro Martínez found the back of the net in the 112th minute of the game, ending COM’s hopes of securing their 2nd Copa title.
Martinez gifts Copa America to Messi and Argentina
The game kicked-off after an hour and a half delay owing to chaotic scenes outside the Hard Rock Stadium. Colombia displayed pure aggression right from the first minute and succeeded in not only frustrating Argentina but also finding themselves in possession of the ball for most of the first half.
Lionel Messi survived an injury scare in the 36th minute as he went down briefly clutching his ankle. He was back up in no time as the game resumed.
At the half-time mark, Colombia had taken 8 shots while Messi and co. only managed to take three shots. COL dominated the possession in the first half, maintaining 53% possession while Argentina only managed 47%.
However, in what was a heartbreak for the legend, Messi was subbed off in the 64th minute after he went down holding his ankle once again. The G.O.A.T broke down on reaching the bench and was seen weeping uncontrolablly as the game continued with both sides on the hunt for the first goal.
Nico Gonzalez succeeded in finding the back of the net in the 74th minute but the goal was overturned as it was an offside. The game then headed into extra time, with the deadlock still continuing. It was Martinez who finally ended the deadlock and Colombia’s dream in the 112th minute, as rhe played ight footed shot from the right side of the box to the centre of the goal. He was assisted by Giovani Lo Celso with a through ball.
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