Argentina will be aiming to make history when they take on Colombia in the Copa America 2024 final on Sunday night.
The stage is set for a thrilling climax to the Copa America 2024 as defending champions Argentina prepare to face Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. This highly anticipated final marks the first time these two footballing giants will meet in the Copa America final, with Argentina chasing an unprecedented 16th title and Colombia seeking their second.
Argentina’s journey to the final has been anything but smooth. After a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Ecuador in the quarter-finals, they secured a comfortable 2-0 win against tournament debutants Canada in the semi-finals. Julian Alvarez’s first-half goal set the tone before Lionel Messi’s record-breaking strike sealed the win, making Messi the second-highest male goalscorer in international football history with 109 goals.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team for navigating a challenging path to the final. Argentina’s impressive unbeaten run now stretches to 10 matches, and they remain unbeaten in major tournament knockout games on American soil since the 1994 World Cup.
As they gear up for their 30th Copa America final, Argentina will be motivated by the chance to claim an outright record 16th title. This match also holds special significance as it will be Angel Di Maria’s final appearance for the national team, although Messi plans to continue playing beyond this tournament.
Colombia, on the other hand, have been in scintillating form. Since their 1-0 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying in February 2022, they have embarked on a record-breaking unbeaten run. Their semi-final victory over Uruguay, a hard-fought 1-0 win, extended this streak to 28 matches.
Jefferson Lerma’s header gave Colombia the lead before Daniel Munoz’s red card put them at a numerical disadvantage. Despite this setback, Colombia’s resilience shone through as they held on to secure their place in the final.
Nestor Lorenzo, who remains unbeaten as Colombia’s head coach since his appointment in July 2022, hailed his team’s bravery. The victory over Uruguay was marred by a brawl involving Uruguayan players and the Colombian supporters, but Colombia’s focus remained unwavering.
For Colombia, this final represents a chance to end a long wait since their first Copa America triumph in 2001. Despite their underdog status, Colombia’s unbeaten run and recent form suggest they cannot be underestimated. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up for the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News & Tactics
Argentina
For the final, Argentina have no injury or suspension concerns. Lionel Scaloni is expected to field an unchanged lineup with a solid back four comprising Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico. Emiliano Martinez will be a shoo-in in goal.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul are likely to retain their spots, despite pressure from Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios. Angel Di Maria is set for his international swansong on the right flank. Alexis Mac Allister will be keen to step it up once again on the international stage and will link up with Messi from the middle of the park.
Lionel Messi, who played the full match against Canada despite a leg injury, will lead the attack alongside Julian Alvarez, with tournament top-scorer Lautaro Martinez likely to start on the bench.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, Fernandez, De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez
Colombia
With Daniel Munoz suspended, Santiago Arias is set to start at right-back, joining Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, and Johan Mojica in a solid four-man defence. Camilo Vargas should start in goal as the last line of defence.
Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos should form the double pivot, with the duo providing the defence with enough protection. It should also free up the attacking-minded players to push forward.
Captain James Rodriguez, who has recorded a tournament-high six assists, will continue in the number 10 role, supported by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Fluminense’s Jhon Arias on the flanks.
Jhon Cordoba, who has been instrumental with two goals and two assists, is expected to lead the line ahead of Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Rafael Santos Borre.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Vargas; Santiago Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba
Key Stats
- Victory on the night will see Argentina win their 16th Copa America title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
- Argentina have won 26 of their 43 meetings against Colombia in all competitions.
- For Colombia, this final represents a chance to end a long wait since their first Copa America triumph in 2001.
- Nestor Lorenzo remains unbeaten as Colombia’s head coach since his appointment in July 2022.
Player to Watch
With a third major international honour on the horizon, Messi will be raring to go. Leading Argentina to their 16th Copa America title, a new record will be another for the history books. Doing so will further his claims as the greatest player of all time.
Messi’s ability to drop deep and link up with Alexis Mac Allister will open up opportunities for Julian Alvarez and Angel Di Maria to exploit the Colombian backline. With defensive rigidity the base for Argentina’s success of late, Messi will be the pivotal player to watch when it comes to crafting game-winning opportunities.
Prediction
Argentina 2-2 Colombia (Argentina to win on penalties)
While Argentina have a reasonable chance of retaining their Copa America title this weekend, overcoming a resilient Colombia team, unbeaten in any competition for over two years, will be a formidable challenge.
The reigning champions, equipped with substantial big-game experience, should have the edge. If they manage to neutralize the influence of Colombia’s playmaker, James Rodriguez, and if Lionel Messi brings his usual brilliance to the fore, Argentina are likely to secure their 16th Copa America title.
