Miami-Dade police reported that 27 people were arrested during the Copa America final held at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. The soccer match, featuring Argentina against Colombia, faced significant delays due to chaotic scenes at the gates. Ultimately, Argentina clinched victory with a 1-0 score, although star player Lionel Messi was sidelined due to injury.
Outside the stadium, some fans who had traveled from other countries were unable to enter despite holding tickets. Among those arrested were Ramon Jesurun, head of the Colombia Football Federation, and his son. They face charges of battery following an altercation involving security guards and a woman attempting to intervene.
Additionally, 55 individuals were ejected from the stadium. Videos of the chaos went viral, showing fans climbing over barriers and disregarding security protocols, even damaging an escalator leading to the club level.
Witness Dora Cannitello expressed frustration, stating, “When we got there, they said all the gates were closed. People were pushing and shoving, demanding to open the gates. It was unfair—I had my tickets.”
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava condemned the incident, emphasizing that over 800 officers were deployed, outnumbering those at the Super Bowl, ensuring everyone’s safety post-game. She vowed a thorough review of security protocols in collaboration with event organizers.
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Hard Rock Stadium is slated to host seven World Cup soccer matches in 2026, raising concerns about future event management and security.
