Copa America 2024: Argentina’s Triumph Marred by Violent Celebrations

In the early hours of Monday morning, Buenos Aires erupted in celebration as Lionel Messi’s Argentina clinched the Copa America 2024 championship with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Colombia in an intense final that extended into extra time.

Amid the southern hemisphere winter chill, jubilant fans draped in Argentine flags gathered around the city’s iconic Obelisk, cheering and reveling in the historic win. The festive atmosphere lasted for over four hours until police intervened with water trucks and officers to disperse the crowds, prompting a swift but peaceful end to the celebrations. Despite some isolated incidents of stone-throwing, authorities reported no arrests or injuries.

“We are champions of America, let’s enjoy this precious moment that is unique for us since we have the chance to celebrate with the greatest who is Messi and the farewell of ‘Fideo’ (Angel) Di Maria,” exclaimed Pablo Inigo, expressing the exhilaration felt by many fans.

President Javier Milei took to social media platform X to congratulate Argentina’s two-time Copa America champions, posting, “Let’s go Argentina carajo..!!!!! We are champions again…!!!!”

The victory marks Argentina’s third consecutive major tournament title, following their Copa America triumph in 2021 and their World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022. Earlier in the evening, several hundred supporters gathered at the Obelisk, although the game was not broadcast on the screens as anticipated, forcing them to follow the action on their mobile phones or gather in nearby bars and cafes where TV sets were tuned to the match.

Tragically, the celebrations were marred by the death of a fan before the match, who climbed a structure in front of the Obelisk to wave a flag but tragically lost his balance and fell six meters. Firefighters later removed the body of the 29-year-old victim, casting a somber shadow over an otherwise joyous occasion for Argentine football fans.