FINAL CHAOS
Terrifying moment crying fans are crushed and injured after ‘7,000 unticketed supporters break into’ Copa America final
Miami-Dade's Mayor has vowed to investigate what happened
FOOTAGE shows terrified fans being pushed against barriers before Sunday's Copa America final.
There were chaotic scenes at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, with supporters held outside in blazing sunshine for two hours.
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Near some ticket barriers, Argentina and Colombia fans began to scream as they were pushed forward.
The footage shows children being passed over the railings to get them clear.
Eventually, the barriers broke, and fans tumbled to the floor before trying to regroup with their loved ones.
Many supporters, including young children, were visibly distressed by the incident.
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The Univision broadcast estimated around 7,000 people managed to get into the stadium, which had a 65,000 capacity for the game, without tickets.
Some fans climbed over fences, while others were incredibly seen trying to enter via a ventilation system.
Supporters gained access to the ground by climbing over a wall via a ladder next to what appeared to be an unused ticket office.
Others managed to get inside after officials opened the stadium gates to "prevent stampedes."
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Meanwhile, some fans who had paid thousands of dollars for tickets were denied entry into the stadium.
The chaos saw the kickoff delayed for 80 minutes.
Fans sneak into Copa America final through air vents as Argentina stars forced to leave dressing room to help families
Argentina won 1-0 and lifted the trophy thanks to forward Lautaro Martinez's goal in extra-time.
But the victory was overshadowed by the dangerous events outside the stadium.
A statement from Hard Rock Stadium spokesperson read: "In collaboration with CONMEBOL and law enforcement officers, the decision was made to open the stadium gates for a short period of time to all fans in order to prevent stampedes and serious injury at the perimeter.
"There was serious concern of fans being crushed in an attempt to enter.
"Law enforcement and security personnel were immediately deployed throughout the stadium and surrounding area to keep fans as safe as possible in light of this unprecedented situation."
This situation should never have taken place and cannot happen again.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
Argentina and Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister was forced to leave the team dressing room to help his family enter the stadium.
His mum described the chaotic scenes, saying: “Alexis had to leave to make us enter. It was inhumane.”
The stadium suffered devastating damage as fans caused complete carnage.
Shocking footage showed an escalator at the 72 Club entrance trashed on Sunday evening.
At least 10-15 people were arrested, per USA Today.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava vowed to investigate the events.
“We are outraged by the unprecedented events at tonight’s Copa América finals,” Levine Cava and Miami-Dade Chief of Public Safety James Reyes said in a joint statement.
“Let’s be clear, this situation should never have taken place and cannot happen again.
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"We will work with stadium leadership to ensure that a full review of tonight’s events takes place immediately to evaluate the full chain of events, in order to put in place needed protocols and policies for all future games.”
Miami is hosting games at the 2026 World Cup.