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Lionel Messi has talked up Colombia's qualities as Argentina prepares to face Nestor Lorenzo's men in the Copa America final against them on Sunday (July 14). La Abiceleste are looking to successfully defend its Copa America title when the two nations meet at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, United States.
Colombia booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Uruguay in the semifinals. That game was tense as both sides ended with 10 men, and a post-match brawl marred Los Cafeteros's win.
Lionel Messi acknowledged Los Cafeteros's victory and delved into what he expects from Argentina's opponents on Sunday. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner told FOX Sports Argentina:
"We watched the Uruguay-Colombia match. We knew that whoever it was going to be, it would be tough. For a reason, Colombia hasn’t lost in a long time. It’s a team with very good players, very intense as well. Up front, they have quick and dynamic players. And well, it’s a final."
Lionel Scaloni's world champions will head into Sunday's final as favorites and are in superb form. They have won all of their Copa America games, including a 2-0 win against Canada in the semifinals.
Messi explained how Abiceleste are relaxed ahead of the final:
"Finals are always different matches. But we’re doing well, we’re calm like we’ve been throughout the whole tournament, enjoying everything that’s happening to us. And well, we’re focused on what that final is going to be."
Lionel Messi will be captaining Argentina in his third major international tournament final in a row. He has managed one goal and one assist in four games during the ongoing Copa America tournament in the United States.
James Rodriguez broke Lionel Messi's Copa America assist record to help Colombia reach final vs Argentina
Colombia booked their place in the final against Argentina with a tense 1-0 win against Uruguay. Jefferson Lerma headed home the winner in the 39th minute courtesy of James Rodriguez's fine corner.
That corner took Rodriguez up to six assists in five games, helping him break a record set by Messi. The Inter Miami superstar had posted five assists during 2021 Copa America, the previous record for assists made in the tournament.
Rodriguez has been on fire for Colombia and is a key reason they'll face Argentina in the final. The Sao Paulo man has yet to win a major international trophy, and he hopes to captain his nation to glory for the first time since 2001.
