Argentina Wins Copa América Final Amid Violence in Los Angeles

Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL to secure their record 16th Copa America crown and their third consecutive major tournament title following their Copa win in 2021 and World Cup victory in 2022.

Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal in extra time to win, but the victory did not come easy.

Argentina star Lionel Messi was forced to exit the field with a right ankle injury in the second half.

"Leo is the greatest player in history," Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni said through an interpreter. "He never wants to leave the pitch. He has a swollen ankle and wants to keep playing. I prefer those players. He wants to play not because he is egotistical or selfish. He wants to keep playing because he doesn't want to leave his teammates.”

In Los Angeles, what began as a joyful watch party for the Copa América final turned violent.

The event, held in a parking lot near a Colombian restaurant in Westlake, attracted hundreds of fans and quickly spiraled after the match concluded.

“We got here, and the game had just finished up…there were a lot of festivities, joy and people having a good time,” one witness said according to KTLA . “That great time turned into a lot of drinking and that drinking turned into violence…next thing you know, they are closing the gates.”

Bottles were thrown and at least one person was stabbed according to reports. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that one person was hospitalized with a stab wound, and another was treated for injuries from an assault. Multiple battery reports were also filed.

The final in Miami was delayed by over an hour due to fans rushing the gates, adding to the chaos surrounding the event.

No arrests have been made, and police have not identified any suspects. The condition of the injured individuals remains unknown.