USMNT legend Alexi Lalas admitted that the chaos at the Copa America final is "not a good look" for the organizers or the host nation - as the World Cup looms large on the horizon in two years' time.
The competition showpiece took place on Sunday, with the game largely overshadowed by the disturbing scenes outside Hard Rock Stadium before the game. Before Argentina pulled off a 1-0 win over Columbia to defend the trophy, supporters were pictured in a crush outside the arena.
Gates were temporarily closed around the perimeter, while the game was delayed by some 75 minutes due to the events prior. It was alleged that some 7,000 fans eventually gained entry into the stadium in excess of the maximum capacity of 65,000 at the Florida venue as over a dozen supporters were arrested by the authorities.
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In a shocking turn of events in the 90-degree in Miami, some of those present could be heard crying- with many of those reduced to tears being children. As several individuals also requiring medical treatment from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the scenes come as the stadium is set to host seven games at the World Cup in 2026.
After witnessing the harrowing events before the final clash, former United States international Lalas was among those who condemned what he had saw. He said: "This is not a good look. I understand this is not a good look for CONMEBOL (the South American governing body).
"It is also because it is happening on our watch, in our country, it's not a good look for the US less than two years out of the World Cup," he said as he looked ahead to the next men's tournament to take place stateside. "I have no doubt that FIFA and the United States and Canada and Mexico will sort this out and make sure this doesn’t happen going forward."
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CONMEBOL put out a statement amid the scenes outside the stadium as they issued a stern response which read: "We inform that people who do not have tickets will not be able to enter the stadium. Only those who have purchased tickets will be able to enter once access is enabled again."
Miami-Dade Police also released the following statement: "We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening at Hard Rock Stadium for the Copa America final game. These incidents have been a result of the unruly behaviour of fans trying to access the stadium.
In spite of the havoc which ensued before Argentina clinched victory over Colombia, Lasas insisted that the United States is primed to host major soccer tournaments. He asserted: "Don't let anybody tell you that the US does not have an incredible history and doesn't have fans out there.
"This shows that that there are many home teams when it comes to the US but there is a fervor and a passion for this game and for these tournaments. That is going to be on display for the next two years and is going to culminate in what I think is going to be the most important and biggest summer of soccer (in 2026)."
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