Argentina win Copa America over Colombia after Lionel Messi limps off crying
In short:
Argentina has won a dramatic Copa America final against Colombia that went to extra time.
Lautaro Martinez was the hero for Argentina, scoring the winner in the 112th minute.
The final was delayed by more than an hour after thousands of ticketless fans entered the stadium, causing chaos.
Argentina have been crowned Copa America champions after a dramatic final which was delayed by more than an hour and was highlighted by images of Lionel Messi crying on the bench.
Lautaro Martinez's extra-time winner earned the reigning world champions a 1-0 over Colombia in a match marred with drama and controversy.
Argentina was able to win the Copa America for legendary captain Messi, who limped off with an ankle injury in the 65th minute after falling to the ground without any contact.
Messi was inconsolable on the bench. Floods of tears ran down his face as his ankle was strapped with ice.
His tears of sadness turned to joy by the end of extra time as Martinez's goal gifted Argentina the Copa America for a record 16th time.
However, the drama started well before kick-off, with the final being delayed by more than an hour due to fans without tickets forcibly entering the stadium.
Security staff at the stadium were forced to close the gates to the venue in an effort to regain control of the massive crowds.
Thousands of fans rushed the gates before the Copa America final. (USA TODAY Sports via AP: Nathan Ray Seebeck)
"In anticipation of tonight's Copa America Final, thousands of fans without tickets attempted to forcibly enter the stadium, putting other fans, security and law enforcement officers at extreme risk," a stadium spokesperson said in a statement.
"Security has shut the gates in order to control the entry process at a much slower rate and ensure everyone is kept safe."
The tournament was marred by ugly scenes following Colombia's semifinal win over Uruguay, when Uruguayan players and Colombian fans began fighting in the stands.
The final in Miami was scheduled to begin at 10am AEST, but did not kick off until about 11:20am.
Media reports have said many fans without tickets were left stranded outside as the game began.
Photographs of distressed fans are circulating after thousands without tickets tried to enter the Copa America final. (AP: Lynne Sladky)
Footage shows thousands of people rushing through the gates and climbing over fences.
Others have been filmed being detained by security or being carried after appearing to be injured.
Video circulating on social media appears to show people rushing trying to enter the stadium through air-conditioning vents.
The Miami-Dade Police released a statement as the crowd swell intensified and began to get out of hand.
"We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening," the statement read.
"These incidents have been a result of the unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium."
Colombian singer Shakira performs at half-time of the Copa America final. (AP: Julio Cortez)
The delay did not affect the half-time performance by star singer Shakira.
Her performance, filled with the same pomp and pageantry seen during the break at the Superbowl, extended half-time from 15 to 20 minutes.