Reigning champions Argentina will square off against in-form Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. The 2021 champions are in the final for the fourth time since 2015. This is just the third final appearance for Los Cafeteros, who lifted the trophy in 2001 in their previous appearance.
La Albiceleste booked their place in the final with a comfortable 2-0 win over Canada in the semi-final. Lionel Messi finally opened his goalscoring account while Julián Álvarez was also on the scoresheet and took his tally in the competition to two goals.
Los Cafeteros overcame Uruguay's challenge in the semi-final as Jefferson Lerma's 39th-minute strike helped them register a 1-0 win. James Rodríguez assisted the goal, taking his assists tally in the competition to a record-breaking six.
It was a closely contested game, and both teams had a player sent off. Daniel Muñoz, who has two goals and an assist in the competition, was sent off in the first half and will miss the final through suspension.
Argentina have the best defensive record in the competition, conceding just once in five games. Colombia, on the other hand, boast the best attacking record, scoring 12 goals. So, this contest should make for an interesting watch.
Argentina vs Colombia Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have met 42 times in all competitions. The defending champions have been the dominant side in these meetings with 25 wins. The 2001 champions have nine wins and eight games have ended in draws.
- The two teams have crossed paths 15 times in the Copa America and La Albiceleste have the upper hand in these meetings as well with 10 wins. Los Cafeteros have three wins and two games have ended in draws.
- They met in the semifinals of the 2021 Copa America, which Argentina won 3-2 on penalties as they drew 1-1 after regulation time.
- Colombia have just one win in their last 12 meetings against the 2021 champions, with that win coming in the group stage of the 2019 Copa America.
Argentina vs Colombia Prediction
La Albiceleste have enjoyed a comfortable run in the competition thus far, scoring eight goals while conceding just once in five games. They have won 12 of their last 13 games in the Copa America and are strong favorites. Lionel Scaloni's men have suffered just three losses in their last 63 games in all competitions and will look to build on that form.
Los Cafeteros are on a record 28-game unbeaten streak, though, their last defeat came against Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in February 2022. Interestingly, their last loss in the Copa America was also registered against the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions in the previous edition.
The defending champions have a clean bill of health for the match while Néstor Lorenzo will be without the services of the suspended Daniel Muñoz and Jhon Lucumí, who is nursing an injury.
While both teams look to be in good touch, Messi and Co. have rich competition experience, which should help them eke out a narrow win, with the outcome of the game likely being decided in extra time.
Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Colombia
Argentina vs Colombia Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Argentina to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: James Rodríguez to score or assist any time - Yes