The final of this year’s Copa América sees the 2022 FIFA World Cup winners, Argentina, take on Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Copa América Final | Argentina v Colombia | 5:30 am IST | July 15

Many would say that Argentina haven’t been at their best in this year’s Copa América, but they’ve managed to do what champions teams do best: pick up results even when they may not be playing their best football. They will look to set up with a four at the back and get Lionel Messi on the ball in the hope of making things happen in the final third.

On the other hand, Colombia have been impressive in this year’s competition and are going into this match, not having lost a single match so far. They finished top of their group, comprising big boys, Brazil. James Rodríguez will look to influence proceedings, having been brilliant so far, bagging six assists and a goal in five appearances.

Team News  

The major concern for Argentina heading into this match was the fitness of Lionel Messi. However, the Inter Miami attacker played the entire 90 of his country’s semi-final against Canada and will be expected to feature in the final. There are no other significant injury concerns for Argentina.

However, Colombia will be without their right-back Daniel Muñoz, who picked up a red card in the semi-final match against Uruguay and, as a result, will be suspended for this tie. Therefore, Santiago Arias must fill in for his missing teammate.

Form Guide

Argentina

Form (all competitions, most recent first): W-W-W-W-W

Most recent result: Argentina 2-0 Canada, Copa América 2024

Qualifying: One of the 10 CONMEBOL nations

Colombia

Form (all competitions, most recent first): W-W-D-W-W

Most recent result: Colombia 1-0 Uruguay, Copa América 2024

Qualifying: One of the 10 CONMEBOL nations

Prediction 

With the pedigree of winning the World Cup and having been in these crunch moments more often than their opponents, Argentina, for me, will be slight favourites. However, Colombia have impressed and will not be an easy team to beat.

Argentina 1-0 Colombia

Predicted Fantasy XI

Goalkeeper: Camilo Vargas

Defenders:  Gonzalo Montiel, Christian Romero, Davinson Sánchez

Midfielders: Ángel Di María, Alexis Mac Allister, James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Jhon Córdoba

Captain:  Lionel Messi

Vice-Captain: Julián Álvarez