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Argentina are still Copa America champions following a hard-fought victory against Colombia on Monday morning.
Argentina clinched an unprecedented 16th title and secured their third consecutive major trophy after a grueling extra-time battle against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The match was marked by a tense start delayed by ticketing issues, but once underway, both sides wasted no time asserting their intentions.
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Julian Alvarez squandered an early chance for Argentina, while Colombia’s Jhon Cordoba rattled the woodwork with a powerful strike.
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As the game progressed, Colombia gained momentum, dominating possession and creating several dangerous opportunities.
Emiliano Martínez stood firm in goal for Argentina, denying Jefferson Lerma’s long-range efforts. Despite Argentina’s efforts to break the deadlock before halftime, Lionel Messi failed to convert their best chance.
The second half began explosively with Colombia pressing forward, narrowly missing a goal through Santiago Arias.
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Argentina suffered a setback when Messi was forced off due to injury, but his replacement Nicolás González nearly made an immediate impact, only to have his goal disallowed for offside.
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As the game headed into extra time, Argentina intensified their attacks, with González and others testing Colombia’s goalkeeper Camilo Vargas repeatedly.
The breakthrough finally came in the 112th minute when Lautaro Martínez capitalized on a pinpoint pass from Giovani Lo Celso, slotting the ball into the far corner with precision.
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Colombia, unbeaten in 29 matches spanning over two years, fought desperately to equalize but couldn’t breach Argentina’s defense again.
The final whistle blew, confirming Argentina’s historic victory and their retention of the Copa América title.
Lionel Scaloni’s side celebrated a hard-fought win, while Colombia lamented their first defeat in a long stretch, falling just short at the final hurdle.
With this triumph, Argentina not only affirmed their current dominance in South American football but also etched their names into the annals of football history with a record-breaking achievement.
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