Chaos outside the stadium: match delay and Argentina’s victory in the final of the 2024 Copa America
15 july 2024 в 21:37
Before the start of the match at the stadium, absolute chaos began, escalating into the final of the Copa America. The chaotic start forced the match to be delayed from 8:00 pm Eastern Time until 9:22 pm due to crowd control issues outside the stadium.
Hard Rock Stadium released a statement after the game, stating that the venue, which will be used for the 2026 World Cup, «takes pride in hosting world-class events year-round in a safe and successful manner».
«We understand that there are disappointed ticket holders who were unable to enter the stadium after the perimeter was closed», - the statement reads, «and we will work in partnership with CONMEBOL to address these individual issues. Ultimately, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of all guests and staff, and this will always remain our priority».
But once the game started, the only thing that mattered was the match itself.
Lionel Messi ultimately suffered a leg injury, which forced him to watch most of the second half from the bench.
«Leo is the greatest player in history», - said Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni through a translator. «He never wants to leave the field. He has a swollen ankle, and he wants to keep playing. I prefer players like that. He wants to play not because he is selfish or self-centered. He wants to keep playing because he doesn’t want to leave his teammates… He was born to play on the field».
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner covered his face with his hands, sitting on the bench and crying.
Nevertheless, Argentina won their second consecutive Copa America, defeating Colombia 1−0 on Sunday evening thanks to a goal from Lautaro Martinez in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martinez was the top scorer for the team in this Copa America.
«We thought Lautaro would find a chance and send the ball into the net», - said Argentine national team coach Lionel Scaloni about Martinez, who scored five goals for the team during the Copa America.
With this victory, it was impossible not to notice Messi’s pain as he celebrated his team’s emotional and dramatic win.
It was in honor of Angel Di Maria, who scored important goals in finals and played in his last match for Argentina. He took the captain’s armband from Messi before his departure, embracing Messi on the bench to end his international career.
Argentina won the 2021 Copa America. They won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. And this Copa America title, the 16th in history, leading among all other countries, is the third major international title they have won in three years
Hard Rock Stadium released a statement after the game, stating that the venue, which will be used for the 2026 World Cup, «takes pride in hosting world-class events year-round in a safe and successful manner».
«We understand that there are disappointed ticket holders who were unable to enter the stadium after the perimeter was closed», - the statement reads, «and we will work in partnership with CONMEBOL to address these individual issues. Ultimately, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of all guests and staff, and this will always remain our priority».
But once the game started, the only thing that mattered was the match itself.
Lionel Messi ultimately suffered a leg injury, which forced him to watch most of the second half from the bench.
«Leo is the greatest player in history», - said Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni through a translator. «He never wants to leave the field. He has a swollen ankle, and he wants to keep playing. I prefer players like that. He wants to play not because he is selfish or self-centered. He wants to keep playing because he doesn’t want to leave his teammates… He was born to play on the field».
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner covered his face with his hands, sitting on the bench and crying.
Nevertheless, Argentina won their second consecutive Copa America, defeating Colombia 1−0 on Sunday evening thanks to a goal from Lautaro Martinez in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martinez was the top scorer for the team in this Copa America.
«We thought Lautaro would find a chance and send the ball into the net», - said Argentine national team coach Lionel Scaloni about Martinez, who scored five goals for the team during the Copa America.
With this victory, it was impossible not to notice Messi’s pain as he celebrated his team’s emotional and dramatic win.
It was in honor of Angel Di Maria, who scored important goals in finals and played in his last match for Argentina. He took the captain’s armband from Messi before his departure, embracing Messi on the bench to end his international career.
Argentina won the 2021 Copa America. They won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. And this Copa America title, the 16th in history, leading among all other countries, is the third major international title they have won in three years
© Artemenko Olga
