Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Colombia’s James Rodriguez will meet (game No. 32 of the tournament) early on Monday (7/15, 03:00) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami (Florida), with the aim of cup in the oldest organization of national teams in the world, the -48o- Copa America.
Lionel Messi and his teammates turned their title triumph at Brazil 2021 into a springboard to success at the World Cup in Qatar just over a year later, with the Albiceleste captain just one game away from yet another spell.
It is the Nestor Lorenzo side that overcomes the numerical superiority of Uruguay throughout the second half – after the red card of Daniel Munoz – sending “Los Cafeteros” in the final after 23 years, ie since 2001, “obstacle” in the last stage for the Lionel Scaloni group. .
This win extended Colombia’s unbeaten streak on the international stage to 28 games, the longest streak in its history. And that leaves them dreaming of another remarkable success, but it will take something special to overtake the champions.
A path to the final
Argentina played their opening game of the tournament against the hosts Canada, and won 2-0. They then beat Chile 1-0 to reach early qualification to the quarter-finals from Group 1. “Albiceleste” completed their presence in the group stage with a 2-0 win, this time against Peru.
In the quarter-finals, Lionel Scaloni’s men faced Ecuador, who they drew 1-1, before winning 4-2 on penalties. In the semi-finals they again defeated Canada 2-0 to reach their fourth final in five tournaments.
Colombia confirmed their great momentum, winning the 4th group performance of Paraguay 2-1. They beat Costa Rica 3-0 (also qualified) and drew 1-1 with Brazil to top their group.
In the “8” Nestor Lorenzo’s team recorded the biggest victory of the 2024 tournament against Panama (5-0), and in the semi-final they won the “battle” with Uruguay 1-0, to reach the third final in history her. .
The two teams met a total of 42 times. Argentina has 25 wins, Colombia 9, and 8 games ended in draws.
Brazilian referee Rafael Klaus has been appointed by CONMEBOL to take charge of the Copa America final. His assistants, Bruno Pires and Rodrigo Correa will be his assistants, and Juan Benitez from Paraguay will be the fourth referee. Brazilian referees will also be on VAR: Rodolfo Toschi, Danilo Manis, Daniel Norte and Pablo Gonsalves.
Possible drawings:
ARGENTINA: Emiliano Martinez, Montiel (or Molina), Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico, De Paul, Fernandes, McAllister, Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez.
COLOMBIA: Vargas, Santiago Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica, Lerma, Rios (or Uribe), John Arias, James Rodriguez, Diaz, Cordoba.