Copa América chaos 'should never have taken place,' Miami-Dade officials say

Alexi Lalas and the "Copa Tonight" crew react to the Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia being delayed 30 minutes. 

Copa América fans created a chaotic situation at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday ahead of the match between Argentina and Colombia.

Several fans rushed past security and stadium attendants without tickets and belined toward the seats. The rush of fans delayed the start of the match for more than an hour. 

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Chief Public Safety Officer James Reyes criticized the situation in a statement as Argentina and Colombia came down to the wire.

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Fans try to enter the stadium amid disturbances prior to the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 Final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

A fan of Colombia reacts at the gate entrance after some clashes between fans and police officers prior to the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 Final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

"We are outraged by the unprecedented events tonight’s Copa America finals. The Copa America final is organized by Conmebol, and Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) provides security support along with other law enforcement agencies," their joint statement read.

Cava and Reyes said more than 550 officers were assigned to the stadium, and more personnel were brought from outside Miami-Dade Police’s jurisdiction to help.

"Our top priority must be the safety and security of all our residents and visitors, and we urge everyone in attendance at tonight’s