Argentina vs Colombia: 2024 Copa America destiny unfolds in Miami | OneFootball

A fortnight-long football festival in the United States reaches its pinnacle as Argentina and Colombia lock horns in the 2024 Copa America final at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

No strangers to the most prestigious fixture in the CONMEBOL federation, defending champions Argentina brace up for their 30th appearance in the final.

Lionel Scaloni’s side netted on either side of half-time to send Canada packing in the semi-final as headline performer Lionel Messi opened his scoring account in the tournament.

The reigning World Cup holders will rely on their living legend to solidify the country’s esteemed history at the Copa Americas, with the Argentines seeking a record-breaking 16th title.

While only a handful of national teams can cope with this unstoppable Argentina squad, high-flying finalists Colombia are amongst them.

It’s been a phenomenal tournament for Los Cafeteros, culminating with the nation’s first appearance in the continent’s most coveted match since their iconic 2001 triumph.

Colombia’s track record at the Copa America isn’t as glittering as Argentina’s, with this marking only their third foray into the title-deciding contest.

However, their performances on US soil must have flushed head coach Nestor Lozano with confidence, especially following a spirited 1-0 semi-final win against Uruguay.

Despite losing a player on the stroke of half-time, Jefferson Lerma’s first-half header separated the teams at the full-time whistle, sending the Colombian fans into their dreamland.

Serial winners poised to defend the crown

Argentina’s unparalleled defensive resilience has been the backbone of the team’s inexorable march to the final.

Except for a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in regulation back in the quarter-finals, Scaloni’s charges have kept a clean sheet in all four remaining 2024 Copa America outings.

Three of their four wins within 90 minutes have yielded an identical 2-0 scoreline, yet the Argentines have notoriously struggled for first-half goals.

Only two of their eight goals in the tournament have come before the break.

Barring an unheard-of development in this high-stakes duel, Inter Milan skipper Lautaro Martinez will end the tournament as the leading goalscorer.

He has tallied four goals already, with three of them arriving beyond the 85th minute.

Colombians too hot to handle

The aforementioned win against Uruguay bookended Colombia’s incredible 28-game unbeaten streak (W22, D6), setting them up perfectly for this blockbuster showdown.

Los Cafeteros embarked on their rip-roaring form in February 2022, coincidentally after losing 1-0 to Argentina in a 2022 World Cup qualifying encounter.

Ominously for the Colombians, that loss forms part of their three-game winless run against La Albiceleste (D1, L2), though there’s a silver lining.

Colombia’s last victory against Argentina was in the 2019 Copa America, which is also their only win against the 15-time continental champions since 2007 (D4, L7).

If there was a moment for Colombia to turn around their abysmal head-to-head fortunes, it’s now as they come into proceedings amidst the country’s best-ever run of form.

At the tick of Lozano’s revolution is Sao Paulo veteran James Rodriguez.

The former Real Madrid playmaker has enjoyed a superb tournament, registering a goal and six assists to carry his team to the final.

Argentina vs Colombia potential line-ups

Argentina (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.

Colombia (4-2-3-1): Camilo Vargas; Santiago Arias, Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, Johan Mojica; Richard Rios, Jefferson Lerma; Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz; Jhon Cordoba.

Prediction

Unlike other knockout ties at the 2024 Copa America, extra time kicks in at the very end, and the distance looks almost inevitable, given the previous rounds.

Despite reaching the final without breaking a sweat, Argentina’s performances haven’t been as convincing as Scaloni might have hoped.

But his men have won nine consecutive internationals since losing to Uruguay in November 2023, nonetheless.

In-form Colombia will look to knock La Albiceleste off their perch with another dynamic performance and Lozano’s trademark direct style of play.

No matter what the odds may suggest, Los Cafeteros could upset what could be Messi’s farewell Copa America appearance.