No. 1 Argentina wins 16th Copa América title

The GIST: No. 1 Argentina is officially the winningest team in Copa América history — they secured their record-setting 16th title with a 1–0 win over No. 12 Colombia last night.

• Unfortunately, the celebratory night was marred by crowd control issues at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, raising serious security questions as the U.S., Mexico, and Canada prepare to host the men’s World Cup in 2026.

Argentina prevails in an emotionally-charged final: After a 0–0 regulation draw, the tournament’s leading goal scorer, Argentinian forward Lautaro Martínez, buried the winning goal in the 112th minute, snapping Colombia’s 28-game unbeaten streak.

• Argentinian legend Lionel Messi watched on from the bench after exiting in the second half with a non-contact injury, a tear-soaked end to what may be his final Copa appearance.

Dangerous crowds force over an hour-long game delay: According to alarming reports, numerous fans were detained ahead of kickoff for trying to enter the game without a ticket — the scary scenes left many supporters, including some with children, stuck outside the stadium in brutally hot temperatures and allegedly without water.

• Clips on social media showed fans climbing through vents to enter the game, while others who say they paid thousands of dollars for tickets were allegedly denied entry as tourney hosts CONMEBOL dealt with capacity issues caused by those who refused to leave seats they reportedly did not pay for.

Zooming out: Soccer is the world’s game — it’s an extremely passionate sport beloved by millions, but dangerous crowds at major matchups is a longstanding issue. From the UEFA Euro 2020 to the 2022 Champions League final to a deadly stampede at a game hosted in El Salvador in 2023. Enough is enough — safety should be priority number one.