A security breach at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami led to the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia being delayed by 75 minutes.
In shocking footage that has gone viral, fans could be seen climbing through air vents as thousands of ticketless supporters stormed the turnstiles.
Multiple reports suggest that around 7,000 people barged their way into the ground, leading to the original 8pm local time kick-off being pushed back three times to 9.15pm.
One video on social media shows fans standing on water jugs before squeezing into vents to watch the final, which saw Argentina prevail as 1-0 winners.
While others were caught on camera scaling fences and breaking through the southwest gate of the ground after overpowering security.
It led to both sets of players being taken to their dressing room amid the chaos, with the stadium briefly put into lockdown with security and police officers later seen removing fans from the stands.
A statement issued on X by stadium staff said: “Thousands of fans without tickets attempted to forcibly enter the stadium, putting other fans, security and law enforcement officers at extreme risk.”
The statement said gates had been shut ‘to control the entry process at a much slower rate and ensure everyone is kept safe’.
Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister was forced to leave Argentina’s changing room to help his mother enter the stadium, who described the situation as ‘inhumane’.
His mum Silvina told TyC Sports: “Alexis had to leave the locker room to help us get in because he was worried. I thought [the game] couldn’t continue.
“I thought the game wouldn’t be played because if the players thought they would resolve this, impossible that it would be played. It was inhumane. We are okay.
“We were in communication with Alexis the whole time, but he said he would stay outside until we would come in.
“He waited for us until we came in. We hugged him once inside, left him to be calm and told him to win.”
Meanwhile Roberto Garnacho – brother of Argentina and Manchster United winger Alejandro – posted on X: “What a shame CONMEBOL, the families not being able to enter the stadium, unbelievable.
“We were with [Argentina defender Marcos Acuna’s] family, outside, getting away from the fights.
“Argentina’s security had to come get us, children of players crying, people entering without tickets, it really is a shame.
“Crazy to see babies crying, even the families of the players, imagine the people who comes with a normal ticket, embarrassing.”
Meanwhile the Hard Rock Stadium also released a statement, where they stated: “Throughout the afternoon and evening, there were numerous attempts by unruly fans without tickets to overpower security and law enforcement personnel at entry points to the stadium, putting themselves, other fans and security and stadium staff at extreme risk.
“Various stadium gates were closed and re-opened strategically in an attempt to allow ticketed guests to enter safely and in a controlled manner.
“Fans continued to engage in illegal conduct — fighting police officers, breaking down walls and barricades and vandalising the stadium, causing significant damage to the property.”
Before adding: “We understand there are disappointed ticket holders who were not able to enter the stadium after the perimeter was closed, and we will work in partnership with CONMEBOL to address those individual concerns.
“Ultimately, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of all guests and staff, and that will always remain our priority.
“We are grateful to the law enforcement officers who managed a difficult situation and prioritised the safety of the venue, the players, their families and the fans.
“We will continue to work with law enforcement to identify and hold criminals accountable who engaged in illegal conduct tonight.
“It is disappointing that a night of celebration was impacted by unlawful and unsafe behaviour, and we will fully review the processes and protocols in place tonight and work with law enforcement to ensure such an event never happens again.”
There wasn’t just drama in the stands, with fans treated to an extra 30 minutes of football with the two teams failing to be separated in normal time.
Argentina skipper Lionel Messi picked up an injury just after the hour mark after picking up a horror ankle injury, where he was pictured in tears on the bench.
In the end, it was Golden Boot winner Lautaro Martinez that popped up with a 112th minute goal for Argentina as he fired them to a record 16th Copa America title.