Argentina's extra-time winning goal to beat Colombia and win the Copa America at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens sparked heartbreak and wild celebrations in two of South Florida's largest Latino communities.
Football fans had been gathering in bars and restaurants to party before Sunday night's final, when serious issues with the crowd delayed kickoff, causing chaos at the stadium as ticket-holders were barred from entering while ticket-holders were pushed to the gates.
Mondongo's restaurant in Doral was packed with Colombian fans and the place was buzzing with activity, with a DJ blasting Colombian music and customers wearing the team's yellow jerseys blasting trumpets as kickoff approached.
Expectations were just as high for supporters like North Miami Beach resident Valeria Bastidas, who has watched Colombian soccer her whole life.
“It's been a long time since Colombians have visited such an important place. Today is an important day,” said Bastida, who is from Pereira, Colombia.
The last time the Cafeteros won the Copa America was in 2001.
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Kendall resident Juan Montana said he came because soccer brings people together.
“It's great for Colombians living abroad to come together, share moments and reminisce about their time in Colombia,” Montana said.
The match started with some close calls, with both teams in good possession of the ball but neither team had managed to score by the time the break came around, but the Mondongo crowd remained hopeful.
Daniel Pérez, 11, who has been playing soccer for seven years, was in high spirits. “Everybody has a lot of energy,” said Pérez, who hopes to one day play for the Colombian national team. “Let's win!”
Music and heartbreak
During halftime, Colombian singer Shakira performed a medley of her hits. Hips don't lie and TikwegArtist Karol G sang the Colombian national anthem at the start of the match.
Music has become more part of the fan experience at the Copa America than ever before. For Colombian fans, the song of the season was El ritmo que nos yun The song, written by Ryan Castro, was written for the tournament and the reggaeton hit went viral on social media, garnering even more support for the team.
Returning to the field, the score remained 0-0 after 90 minutes, sending the match into extra time, where Argentine player Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the game with eight minutes remaining to secure the win for his team.
At Mondongo's, the customers were silent.
“[I’m] “It's unfortunate,” Perez said. “Our defense just didn't work.”
Around Manolo Bakery on Collins Avenue in North Beach, known as Little Buenos Aires, fans again took to the streets, singing, dancing and waving flags to celebrate Argentina's victory in the 2022 World Cup. The only blemish on the night seemed to be a serious injury to Argentina and Inter Miami's iconic superstar, Lionel Messi.
Despite the loss, Mondongos' Colombian fans remained hopeful and proud. Soon, music was blaring again throughout the restaurant and the remaining diners erupted in applause as the Colombian players rose to accept their awards.
Doral resident Chris Prado, a Cali native, said he was happy the team made it this far.
“That's the way the game is played,” Prado said. “Colombians always impress people, so I know this team will continue to impress people.”
