The final score of the 2024 Copa América final was 1-0 with Argentina being crowned champions for the 16th time (a record). But in the grand scheme of things, there were no winners in this tournament. The pitches were abysmal, several stadiums were near empty thanks to sky-high ticket prices, and Marcelo Bielsa’s five-minute press conference rant will go down in history. After he let loose to the media the day after Uruguay’s players had to rush into stands to protect their families, we thought we had reached a peak. There’s no way this tournament can get crazier, tackier, or even more dangerous than this right? And then, tonight happened.
Tonight’s Copa América final was an absolute disaster. Ticketed and non-ticketed fans stormed the gates of Hard Rock Stadium after being outside in extreme heat for hours (and a noticeable lack of security). This was a logistical nightmare for all involved. Massive crowds bulldozed their way through security gates to get into the stadium. Gates were closed and people were held back for a while, but ultimately, stadium security and police decided to allow everyone inside. Everyone, ticketed or not, entered the stadium without ticket scanning or metal detection. Some people climbed over fences while others snuck in via ventilation.
Security and police eventually combed through the stadium by halftime and checked fans for tickets, but the damage was done. This was one of the worst tournaments ever hosted in the USA by far. I knew the tournament was going to be unprofessional when I learned the preferred way of receiving “official” updates from CONMEBOL was via WhatsApp — A “private” group where all 1,015 members’ phone numbers were visible. Sure, we’re all journalists (hopefully), but who would want their number exposed to 1,000+ people they’ve never met?
Then there was the drama in the opening match where accredited press couldn’t enter the pressbox and were corralled like cattle by the elevators.
Before the Argentina-Chile match, we were informed (via WhatsApp of course) that any press attending the match would have to pay for their food. That message was not received well and prompted further criticism of the federation in person and on social media. All of these events led up to tonight’s poorly organized final that featured, yet again, a poorly laid pitch.
The match was tightly contested through the first, with only a handful of chances coming by each squad. The second half was equally uneventful. Once stoppage time came around, we were finally treated to some action.
Lautaro Martinez, the tournament’s leading scorer, grabbed hold of a beautiful through ball from Giovani Lo Celso before beating Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas to his far post in the 112th minute.
Tonight’s victory put an end to Colombia’s 28-match unbeaten streak, but it wasn’t the happy ending Argentina would’ve liked. The night marked Angel Di Maria’s last match with La Albiceleste and Lautaro Martinez scored his fifth goal of the tournament, making him the leader. Teammate Nicolas Otamendi is also set to close this chapter of his career. But their country’s hero, Lionel Messi, limped off the pitch in the second half after suffering a non-contact injury.
Argentina becomes the second country to win two Copa America tournaments and a World Cup in between. And while it may not have been the perfect night for Messi, it was perfect for Di Maria. “The truth is, this was written, it was this way,” said Di Maria post-match. “I dreamed it, I dreamed that I would arrive to the final and win it and retire in this way.”
Copa América 2024 will be remembered for its logistical woes and lack of accountability. Here’s to hoping some major changes take place before 2026.
-Jon Jones
Cover Photo: Alex Hernandez
Photo: Liragraphy