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There will be fireworks at the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida as Argentina and Colombia square off in the final of the 2024 Copa America on Sunday. The two sides had different difficulty levels to get to this stage.
The Argentines booked their spot in the showpiece event following a routine 2-0 victory over Canada in the semifinal in New Jersey. Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi scored in either half to help La Albiceleste qualify for the Copa America final as defending champions for the first time in 31 years.
Colombia, meanwhile, narrowly edged out Uruguay with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in a game that was defined by its physicality. The Coffee Growers broke the deadlock in the 39th minute through Jefferson Lerma's header from a James Rodriguez corner kick. But they were reduced to 10 men in first-half injury time after Daniel Munoz was sent off for two bookable offenses.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Nestor Lorenzo's side held on to their lead to advance to the final for the first time since 2001. The game ended with two red cards and eight yellow cards issued and was also marred by ugly scenes in the stands at fulltime.
Colombia and Argentina will face off in the final of the Copa America for the first time in history.
The Colombians are participating in the final for the third time. Their charge has been led by the resurgent James Rodriguez, who has been the standout player in the tournament. The 32-year-old currently plies his trade with Sao Paulo but he has shown that he still has what it takes to perform at the highest level. His displays could convince potential employers to bring him over for one final shot at top-level European football.
La Albiceleste, for their part, are competing in their 30th Copa America final. This means that they have remarkably reached the final in six of their last eight tournaments. It could also be the end of an era for two stalwarts in arguably the greatest epoch in Argentina's fabled history.
Angel di Maria recently announced that the Copa America final will be his last in the famed blue and white shirt. Lionel Messi admitted to enjoying his 'last battles' with his nation, although the Inter Miami man remained coy on his international future.
Argentina vs Colombia Head-to-Head Stats
This will be the 43rd meeting between the two sides. Argentina have 25 wins to their name, and Colombia were victorious nine times while eight games were drawn.
Their most recent clash came in February 2022 when Argentina claimed a 1-0 home win.
Argentina form guide: W-W-W-W-W
Colombia form guide: W-W-D-W-W
Argentina vs Colombia: Numbers you need to know ahead of the 2024 Copa America final
- The 2024 Copa America final will be decided by extra time, then penalties if need be after earlier knockout games that finished level went straight to penalties.
- Messi will participate in his seventh major final in international football (five Copa America, two FIFA World Cups) - the most by any player in history.
- Colombia are unbeaten in their last 28 games (22 wins).
- Colombia have managed just one win in the last 12 head-to-head games (seven losses).
- The halftime result has been matched by the fulltime result in the last seven Copa America finals.
- Argentina have lost just two of their last 61 games (45 wins) and have won their last 10 games on the bounce.
