For the first time in Copa América history, Argentina and Colombia will face off in the final. Argentina, the reigning champions, are set for their record 30th appearance in the competition’s final, while Colombia will be making their third. The match will take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, and if necessary, extra time will be played, unlike the earlier knockout rounds which went straight to penalties if level.

Argentina, also known as La Albiceleste, continued their impressive run in America with a 2-0 semi-final win over Canada. They haven’t lost a major tournament knockout game in regulation time on U.S. since their defeat to Romania in 1994. The 15-time Copa América champions are in formidable form, having won their last ten internationals since a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in November.

Lionel Scaloni’s squad is aiming for a third consecutive major title, following their triumphs in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup. This achievement would be a fitting farewell for stars like Ángel di Maria and Lionel Messi, who may retire from international football after this tournament.

Colombia, however, is in excellent form and unbeaten in their last 28 matches. They last won the Copa América on home soil in 2001 and are making their first final appearance since. After a 5-0 quarter-final win over Panama and a hard-fought 1-0 semi-final victory against Uruguay, they have kept three clean sheets in the tournament.

Despite this strong defensive record, Colombia’s defenders will need to step up as they have not kept a clean sheet against Argentina in their last three encounters. However, they can draw inspiration from their 2-0 win over Argentina in the 2019 Copa América, their only victory in this fixture since November 2007. Given these statistics, Colombia will understandably enter the final as the underdogs.

Form Guide

Argentina WWWWDW

Argentina aims to continue their winning streak following a 2-0 victory over Canada in the Copa America.

In that match, Argentina controlled 51% of the possession and made 11 attempts on goal, with 3 on target. Julián Álvarez scored in the 22nd minute, and Lionel Messi added another in the 51st minute. Canada, on the other hand, had 9 shots on goal, with 2 on target.

Argentina’s recent performances underscore the strength of their defense. Over their last 6 games, they have conceded just 2 goals, highlighting their defensive solidity. 

Colombia WWWDWW

Colombia heads into the final buoyed by a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in their latest Copa America match.

In that game, Colombia held 38% of the possession and took 11 shots on goal, with 4 on target. Jefferson Lerma scored the decisive goal in the 39th minute. Uruguay, meanwhile, had 11 attempts on goal, with 2 on target.

Colombia’s recent form has been impressive, netting 15 goals in their last six matches. Remarkably, they have scored in every one of those games while conceding only 2 goals during this period.

Argentina vs Colombia Predicted XI

Argentina Predicted XI: Emi Martinez, Molina, Romero, Martinez, Tagliafico, De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister, Gonzalez, Messi, Lautaro Martinez.

Colombia Predicted XI: Vargas, Mojica, Cuesta, Sanchez, Ariaz, Arias, Uribe, Rios, Diaz, Cordoba, Rodriguez.

Prediction

The ease with which these two teams score suggests that we’re in for a thrilling match filled with emotions and potential goals. However, as is well known, finals are often tight contests decided by key moments. Argentina appears to be in exceptional physical and mental condition.

We believe that Colombia will struggle to break down Argentina’s formidable defense. Conversely, Argentina has the capability to find the net and secure a winning performance, making it difficult for Colombia to score.

While basing predictions solely on previous matches can be misleading, we anticipate a close game, with Argentina edging out a 1-0 victory.