The 2024 Copa América concluded with Argentina clinching their 16th title after defeating Colombia 1-0 in a dramatic final held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Lautaro Martínez's goal in the 112th minute sealed the victory for Argentina, who were the defending champions. The final, initially delayed by 30 minutes due to security incidents, ultimately started 72 minutes late, highlighting some of the organizational challenges faced during the tournament.
Security Issues and Delayed Final
The final between Argentina and Colombia faced multiple delays due to crowd congestion and security issues, with thousands of ticketless fans rushing the stadium gates. This chaos led to injuries and damaged stadium equipment, prompting CONMEBOL to delay the start time multiple times. The families of several Argentina players were caught up in the chaos, with social media posts reporting fainting and medical treatment for some fans.
Shakira's Halftime Performance
The decision to extend halftime for Shakira's performance drew criticism from Colombia's head coach Néstor Lorenzo, who argued that the extended break could affect player fitness. Shakira's performance itself faced backlash on social media for apparent lip-syncing.
Despite these controversies, the Copa América 2024 showcased thrilling football and memorable moments, culminating in Argentina's hard-fought victory and reaffirming their dominance in South American football.
Uruguay vs. Colombia Altercation
In the aftermath of the semi-final match between Uruguay and Colombia, Uruguay forward Darwin Núñez was involved in a confrontation with Colombian fans, prompting an investigation by CONMEBOL. The incident highlighted concerns about fan security and player safety, with Uruguay's head coach Marcelo Bielsa and Argentina's Lionel Scaloni supporting the players' reactions to protect their families.
Refereeing Controversies
The tournament was marred by several controversial refereeing decisions. Notable incidents included the United States vs. Uruguay match, where a contentious goal by Mathías Olivera was upheld despite appearing offside. Other contentious decisions involved missed fouls and penalties in critical matches, leading to widespread criticism from players and coaches.
High Ticket Prices
Fans expressed concerns over overpriced tickets, with statistics revealing significant price increases compared to previous tournaments. The average purchase price for group stage tickets was $187, a 61% rise from 2016. Prices for the final ranged from $1,300 to $7,000, resulting in several matches seeing low attendance.
Pitch Quality Concerns
The tournament's pitch quality faced significant criticism from players, coaches, and commentators. The smaller pitch sizes, typically used for American football, were reported to influence the dynamics of the game, leading to more closely contested matches. Grass surfaces, cultivated in specially selected nurseries and transported to the stadiums, were criticized for being "very bumpy" and not suitable for high-level football. Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez were particularly vocal about the poor pitch conditions after their opening match against Canada, labeling the newly installed grass surface a "disaster."
Despite these controversies, the Copa América 2024 showcased thrilling football and memorable moments, culminating in Argentina's hard-fought victory and reaffirming their dominance in South American football.