Argentina will be competing for a record-breaking 16th Copa America title when they take on Colombia in Florida on Sunday. A win would propel the defending champions past Uruguay as the most successful team in the tournament’s history. With victories in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup already under their belt, Argentina is on the brink of a historic treble. The only similar achievement in international football is Spain’s back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, coupled with a World Cup win in 2010.
“We always try to play the same way,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni says.
“The DNA of this team is the same, and that is the most important thing. We will try to win the final. Our way of playing football will not change, but it is clear the final is always special.”
Colombia, on the other hand, are hoping to clinch their first Copa America title in 23 years, with their only title coming in 2001 when they were the hosts.
Despite Daniel Munoz’s red card, they managed to reach the final with a 1-0 victory over Uruguay. They carry a 28-match unbeaten streak into the final, with their last defeat dating back to February 2022 against Argentina. “We know who our opponent is, but we need to be motivated and understand that it’s a different match,” says Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo.
“It’s a match that actually prevails over everything we’ve done, and we have this opportunity to enjoy it, and we have the opportunity against the world champions.”
I hope nobody gets any skin disease during the Olympics.
James Rodriguez has been instrumental to Colombia’s success, breaking Messi’s record for the most assists in a single Copa America with six to his name.
“Nestor has found how to plan the team plays around him, and he is a great player, but we never focus on a single player. We focus on the team,” Scaloni says about Rodriguez.
Argentina’s star forward Messi, who scored his first goal of the tournament in the 2-0 semi-final victory over Canada, will be seeking to add another title to his illustrious career after enduring defeats in his first four major finals (one World Cup, three Copa Americas) since 2007.
