Messi wins third successive major international trophy as Argentina clinch Copa America

Argentina are the champions of the 2024 Copa America. 

The Albeceleste defeated Colombia 1-0 in the final at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, US, in the early hours of Monday.

Lautaro Martinez’s goal in the second half of extra time was the decider in a game held up by crowd trouble outside the stadium before kick-off.

According to organisers, ticketless fans tried to enter the stadium, leaving some paid fans waiting hours for the gates to open.

The rush led to clashes between fans and police outside the ground, and several arrests were made.

The fans’ frustration increased when Lionel Messi was forced off in tears in the second half after injuring himself while chasing for the ball.

With the quality of football unmatching the glamorous occasion, the match dragged into extra time.

But Martinez rose through the humid weather, dry performance, and questionable organisation to give Argentina triumph in the 112th minute.

The Inter Milan striker received a through ball from Giovanni Le Celso, and he calmly slotted the ball beyond the body of Camilo Vargas in Colombia’s goal.

The goal sealed Argentina’s 16th Copa America title — sending the country over Uruguay as the most winners of the competition.

Messi also won his third consecutive major international trophy with Argentina. He led the team to triumph in the 2021 Copa America and won the Qatar 2022 World Cup.