Defending champion Argentina overcame the loss of Lionel Messi to win its 16th Copa America title by beating Colombia 1-0 thanks to an extra-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday.
Inter Milan striker Martinez, the tournament's top scorer, latched on to a pinpoint pass from Giovani Lo Celso before lofting his shot over advancing Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the 112th minute.
Messi appeared to suffer a non-contact injury while running and falling in the 64th minute and covered his face with his hands as he sat on the bench.
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Martinez then ran to that bench to hug his captain after the goal that propelled Argentina past Uruguay as the team with the most Copa America titles.
In a match that started more than 75 minutes late due to crowd problems at Hard Rock Stadium, Argentina won its third consecutive major title after the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup and equaled Spain, which won the 2008 and 2012 Euros, at the 2010 World Cup.
Argentina also halted Colombia's 28-match unbeaten streak dating back to a February 2022 loss to the Albiceleste.
Information from Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
