Argentina wins Copa America after chaotic delay at Miami stadium
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Fans celebrate in Miami Gardens after Argentina won the Copa America 2024. Photo: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
A sea of white and sky blue filled the streets of Miami Sunday night after Argentina defeated Colombia to win the Copa America.
- But hours earlier, the game was delayed after fans overwhelmed Hard Rock Stadium security in a chaotic scene that threatened to overshadow the exuberant moment for soccer in America.
Why it matters: Emotions were running high ahead of the final, which ended 1-0.
- Both South American nations boast large expat communities across South Florida — and soccer is more than a game for many fans.
What we saw: Hard Rock Stadium, where tickets to the final started around $2,000, was overwhelmed by a crush of fans who pushed past security at the entrance, leading officials to shut all gates.
- The game was delayed by more than an hour as fans were seen climbing over barriers and crawling into vents to get into the stadium. Ultimately, many were reportedly allowed inside without showing tickets.
What they're saying: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in a statement said she was "outraged."
- "We will work with stadium leadership to ensure that a full review of tonight's events takes place immediately to evaluate the full chain of events, in order to put in place needed protocols and policies for all future games."
Goal of the match: Argentina's Lautaro Martinez, a leading scorer in the competition, scored in the 112th minute of extra time.
On Saturday, a day before the final, a massive crowd of Argentina fans filled the streets of Miami Beach, setting off flares, banging drums and waving flags from the roof of Churros Manolo on Collins Avenue and 73rd Street.
- After the match on Sunday, supporters filled the streets, chanting, banging drums and waving flags.
Catch up quick: Argentina won its 16th Copa America, the most for any nation, capping off a golden generation of dominance including wins in the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup.
- It was Colombia's first Copa final since winning the tournament in 2001.
The big picture: The U.S. hosted the continental tournament for just the second time, and momentum is building for the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will host along with Canada and Mexico.
- Hard Rock Stadium hosted three Copa matches and will host seven World Cup matches.
Yes, but: The logistical failures that plagued the Copa final are sure to raise questions about whether the Miami venue is ready to host soccer's most prestigious international tournament.