Watch: Argentina and Colombia fans seen crawling through vents to enter stadium without tickets, fights break out

Argentina and Colombia fans tried to rush the security and enter the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami ticketless ahead of the Copa America 2024 final on Sunday, July 14. La Albiceleste earned a 1-0 win in extra time, courtesy of Lautaro Martinez's goal (112').

However, the situation outside the stadium stayed on the edge ahead of the highly anticipated final. Fans tried to force their way into the stadium and that saw other fans and family members of players stranded outside, unable to enter the stadium. Some fans even tried to enter the stadium by crawling through vents.

The kick-off of the final was delayed more than an hour as a result. Scary videos of fans trying to enter the Hard Rock Stadium through illegal means have percolated online. Check out the clips below:

The incidents raised concern over the CONMEBOL's role in organizing the tournament. Argentina vs Colombia was a high-profile game with a valuable prize at stake.

Hence, the lapse in security and organization of such a match remains under scrutiny. Considering the United States are set to organize the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an even bigger tournament, the recent Copa America final fiasco looks set to work as an eye-opener for organizers.

Authorities issue statement after debacle ahead of Argentina vs Colombia Copa America final

The Copa America 2024 final kick-off had to be delayed by an hour and 15 minutes due to the dangerous situation outside the stadium ahead of the game.

A spokesperson of the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami issued a statement on the matter, saying:

"In anticipation of tonight's Copa America final, thousands of fans without tickets attempted to forcibly enter the stadium, putting other fans, security and law enforcement officers at extreme risk."

The statement further claimed that security shut gates down in order to let fans into the stadium in a more controlled and organized manner. Miami-Dade police department also addressed the matter through a social media statement, which read:

"These incidents have been a result of unruly behaviors of fans trying to access the stadium. We are asking everyone to be patient and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel."

Hard Rock Stadium later issued another lengthy statement addressing the matter. They stopped alcohol sales inside the stadium and noted that the security of fans lies above every other objective for the arena that takes pride in hosting world-class events year-round.