Copa America final kick-off delayed amid fan chaos at Miami stadium

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The final match of the Copa America tournament between Argentina and Colombia started late because fans broke through the entrance gates of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Over ten people were arrested and a few were hurt, needing medical help, as disorder broke out before the game started. Argentina ended up winning 1-0 in extra time, with Lautaro Martínez scoring the deciding goal at the end.

Supporters began showing up roughly three hours before the last game started at 8pm, braving the muggy and hot weather as they waited for the gates to open.

The gates were initially opened, but then closed again when security saw a large crowd forming. They asked all spectators without tickets to vacate the premises.

Authorities first chose to delay the start of the event by 45 minutes in order to control the large number of people attending, rescheduling it for 9:15pm.

The audience became restless and annoyed with the long wait due to heightened security measures in the scorching heat, leading to reports of heat exhaustion among some individuals.

Security permitted fans to re-enter the area gradually at approximately 8:10pm. However, the disorderly situation persisted, with fans attempting to breach the barriers and some resorting to climbing over fences in order to gain access.

A spokesperson from Hard Rock Stadium stated that many fans who did not have tickets tried to forcibly enter the stadium, causing a dangerous situation for other fans, security, and law enforcement.

Miami-Dade police detective Luis Sierra reported that a group of fans rushed through one of the gates and entered the stadium before it was officially open.

The police stated that the chaos at the stadium was caused by rowdy fans trying to enter the venue.

We are requesting that everyone remain calm and follow the guidelines established by our officers and staff at Hard Rock Stadium. We are collaborating with the stadium to create a secure atmosphere for everyone present. Any disruptive behavior will result in removal from the premises and potential legal action.

A supporter named Claudio, who journeyed to the match from Mendoza in Argentina, shared with the Associated Press that they felt suffocated as authorities tried to control the disorder.

"They are incapable of hosting a World Cup! It can't be done," Claudio exclaimed in Spanish. "People were packed against the gate for hours, struggling to breathe. There was an elderly person, see him, see him (pointing at his young son), left without any water. No water at all."

The championship match was expected to draw a full crowd of over 65,000. In the audience, there was a nearly equal number of fans supporting Argentina and Colombia, but it appeared that there were more people wearing Colombia's yellow gear.

Argentina emerged victorious in the Copa America final after a tense match against Colombia, securing a 1-0 victory with a goal scored in extra time. This win marks Argentina's 16th Copa America championship title, solidifying their status as defending champions.

The farewell for Lionel Messi at his possibly final international tournament was flawless, even though he sustained an ankle injury in the second half that prevented him from finishing the game.