Violence marred Argentina’s Copa America victory celebrations

Following Lionel Messi’s Argentina team’s thrilling 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America championship match, which was decided in extra time, thousands of fans rejoiced downtown Buenos Aires on Monday morning.

Despite the cold winter weather in the southern hemisphere, jubilant spectators, many of them were draped in Argentine flags, celebrated in the early hours of the morning around the city’s famous Obelisk.

After more than four hours, the celebration came to a sudden end when police used water trucks and officers to clear the streets, which caused a crowd to surge.

A few of people threw stones at the police, although many of them soon scattered when riot police advanced.

No arrests or injuries were reported by the authorities.

“As champions of America, let us cherish this exceptional moment as we have the opportunity to celebrate alongside the greatest, who is…”Messi and ‘Fideo’ (Angel) Di Maria’s departure,” Pablo Inigo, chanting, told AFP.

President Javier Milei posted on social media, “Let’s go Argentina carajo..!!!!!” to congratulate the two-time American champs. We’re champions once more… on social media X.

After winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2021 Copa, this was Argentina’s third consecutive major tournament trophy.

Hundreds of people had gathered at the location to watch the game, but they were forced to watch it on their phones since it was not shown on the screens.

Others huddled around TV screens in the nearby cafes and bars.

The death of a fan who began climbing a structure in front of the Obelisk before the game in an attempt to wave a flag but lost his balance and plummeted six meters further dampened the festivities.

The victim, 29, had her body retrieved by firefighters.