Prior to kickoff, which was originally scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, fans rushed the entry gates at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, overwhelming staff members. Kickoff was pushed back to 9:20 p.m. ET.
Scary Scenes in Miami, as the gates are breached at Hard Rock Stadium for Sunday night’s Argentina-Colombia Copa America final. Truly hoping this situation is safely resolved before kickoff. [Via @the_bonnfire]pic.twitter.com/rNYyFIoclF
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 14, 2024
Miami-Dade Police released a statement after the chaos unfolded:
“We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening at Hard Rock Stadium for the Copa America final game. These incidents have been a result of the unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium. We are asking everyone to be patient, and abide by the rules set by our offices and Hard Rock Stadium personnel. We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all those attending. Unruly behavior will get you ejected and/or arrested. We have a ZERO TOLERANCE behavior against unruly conduct from everyone attending.”
— Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) July 14, 2024Plenty of criticism has been lobbied at this year’s host nation, the United States. Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa recently called out how poorly the fields have been maintained.
🗣️ Marcelo Biesla on the state of modern football: “Football is becoming less attractive….”
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) July 7, 2024
He speaks nothing but FACTS for two minutes straight… 🔝👏🇺🇾
🎥 @JimenaJuani pic.twitter.com/PUnLaZi0bU
On Sunday, fans spoke out about how much of a “disaster” the tournament’s organization has been.
The scenes outside the venue revealed fans without tickets rushing through turnstiles and finding unconventional ways of entry. Some players’ families were reportedly among those prevented from entering as stadium security attempted to control the situation.🚨🚨🇦🇷🗣️ Argentine fans: “USA is not ready to organize Copa America, neither anything. It’s a total disaster, no security, nothing!..” 🇺🇸🏆
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) July 14, 2024
🎥 @DiarioOle
pic.twitter.com/Mm6kKKto64
More people getting into the game through… what??? The vent??
— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) July 15, 2024
What is happening in the Copa America Final? pic.twitter.com/QKgkwEmnCW
And after all that they just let everyone in with no ticket checks. Unbelievable pic.twitter.com/t9S6dwBJAs
— Simon Evans (@sgevans) July 15, 2024
Officials literally chasing supporters throughout the stadium ahead of Copa America final. Chaos. Just chaos. pic.twitter.com/NcCAJx9ai1
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 15, 2024
The match has been a highly-anticipated affair considering that it could potentially be the final international match for superstar Lionel Messi, who will start Sunday’s final.
According to DraftKings, Argentina is the odds-on favorite to win +115, while Colombia is the underdog at +320.