Argentina vs. Colombia: An unexpected final
Argentina vs. Colombia in the Copa America final will showcase two very different styles, after overcoming several top teams.
World champions Argentina will defend the Copa America title against Colombia on Sunday in Miami.
Argentina vs. Colombia in the final of the Copa America is unprecedented in the history of the Conmebol national team tournament, following the 1-0 victory of the Cafeteros over Uruguay in the second semifinal in Charlotte (North Carolina).
Two Argentine coaches will be facing each other, clashing with great players, but with Argentina a step above them.
Led by Argentine Néstor Lorenzo, Colombia overcame the dangerous Celeste with a goal by Jefferson Lerma in the 38th minute, but suffered the unimaginable in the second half due to the irresponsible expulsion of right back Daniel Muñoz in first-half stoppage time.
Argentina is the main candidate to lift the trophy on Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, supported by a good performance by Messi after overcoming a right adductor discomfort.
But Colombia’s stock is on the rise as they have knocked out Brazil in the group stage and Uruguay, two of the region’s heavyweights and candidates for the title.
Argentina vs Colombia in the final of the Copa America could define the biggest winner of America Cups.
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Argentina with 15 titles leads along with Uruguay in the ranking of the most winning teams in the Copa America, and aspires to be alone at the top of the list of winners.
Argentina vs. Colombia
A year and a half after embroidering the third world star on the shield, Argentina is chasing the Triple Crown, a milestone in the continent if it manages to win the title of this edition on Sunday after conquering the world in Qatar-2022 and South America in Brazil-2021.
With the victory over the Charrúas, Colombia extended its unbeaten streak to 28 matches, 25 under Lorenzo, setting a new record for the country after breaking the mark of 27 matches set by Francisco Maturana’s national team between 1992 and 1994.
But Argentina vs. Colombia could also be the farewell in this tournament of Lionel Messi, who took advantage of the stage to notify the soccer world that “his last battles” as captain of the Albiceleste were near.
Messi made his debut in the Copa America in 2007, the one held in Venezuela.
After winning the 2022 World Cup, Scaloni assured that he would save Messi a place for the 2026 World Cup in North America, but asked to leave him alone about the date of an eventual retirement.
Conmebol confirmed the refereeing team that will be in charge of judging the Colombia vs. Argentina final on Sunday at 7:00 pm at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The refereeing corps will be led by Brazilian Raphael Claus, who has already refereed Colombia on three occasions, one of those against Argentina, and will be made up of five Brazilians and two Paraguayans.