Lionel Messi bids to lead Argentina past Colombia in Copa title match

Field Level Media|published: Sat 13th July, 19:12 2024

Jul 9, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) scores a goal past Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (16) during the second half at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Lionel Messi and friends seek a historic victory when Argentina plays Colombia in the Copa America final in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Sunday.

Argentina plays for its 16th title to become the all-time leader in Copa America history, which would break a tie with Uruguay in what will be star forward Angel Di Maria's final match for his country.

Also, Argentina is a win from a Copa America (2021)-World Cup (2022)-Copa America treble. The only comparable achievement was Spain winning the Euro championships in 2008 and 2012 with the 2010 World Cup in between.

"We always try to play the same way," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "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 is clear the final is always special."

Meanwhile, Colombia reached its first final in 23 years with a 1-0 win over Uruguay on Wednesday despite a red card to Daniel Munoz in the 45th minute.

"We know who our opponent is, but we need to be motivated and we need to understand that it's a different match," Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said. "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 champion."

The Colombians' only title came in 2001 as host and they lost to Peru in the 1975 final.

They carry a 28-match unbeaten streak (22-0-6) into the match with their last loss on Feb. 1, 2022, to Argentina.

Their key to success is James Rodriguez, who has six assists to break Messi's record for most in a single Copa America.

"It's a pleasure to watch him play," Scaloni said of Rodriguez. "Nestor has found how to plan the team play around him, and he is a great player to have, but we never focus on a single player. We focus on the team."

Messi scored his first goal of the tournament in the 2-0 semifinal win over Canada on Tuesday and will look to add another title to his illustrious career after losing his first four major finals (one World Cup, three Copa Americas) beginning in 2007.

--Field Level Media

Latest