In a physical, grueling Copa America final, Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 with Lautaro Martinez scoring in the 112th minute. Martinez won the Golden Boot with five goals in the tournament with his last one buzzing right over the head of Columbian keeper Camilo Vargas.
The match was delayed for over 75 minutes following a security breach with fans breaking through one of the gates. Argentina had to play nearly half the match without Lionel Messi as he exited in tears in the 64th minute with an apparent right ankle injury.
Argentina had a 1.08 xG compared to 0.83 for Colombia. Colombia was consistently aggressive in attack, particularly with Luis Diaz and their decisive passing, but they didn\'t create many high leverage chances.
Angel di Maria played a characteristic match we have come to expect from him over the past two decades in what was his final match for Argentina as he retires from international duty. It remains to be seen the extent of Messi\'s injury and his place in Argentina\'s roster for the 2026 World Cup.