Argentina stands on the brink of a historic achievement as they prepare to face Colombia in the Copa America final.

Victory would make them the first South American team to claim three consecutive major tournament titles, a feat previously accomplished only by Spain in international football.

Under the inspiration of superstar Lionel Messi, Argentina secured the Copa America title in 2021 and followed it up with a World Cup victory in 2022. Their journey to this year’s final has been smooth, capped by a comfortable 2-0 semi-final win over Canada in New Jersey.

A triumph at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium would not only cement their place in history but also grant Argentina a record 16th Copa America title, surpassing Uruguay’s 15 victories.

Colombia, however, promises to be a formidable opponent. Unbeaten in 28 matches—a national record—they have navigated a challenging path to the final. Their semi-final victory over Uruguay in Charlotte was particularly impressive, securing a 1-0 win despite playing the entire second half with ten men.

Farewell Di Maria

Argentina also has an emotional storyline with Sunday’s game marking the farewell to the national team for 36-year-old winger Angel Di Maria.

“I’m not ready for my last game with the national team, but it’s time,” Di Maria said this week. Defender Nicolas Otamendi may also be departing, while the future of 37-year-old Messi, who will turn 39 during the 2026 World Cup, remains uncertain.

“I’m living it like everything else in recent times: enjoying it very much and being aware, like Fideo [Di Maria] and Ota [Otamendi], that these are the last battles,” Messi remarked after the semi-final win.

CONMEBOL, the tournament’s organizer, hopes the final will be a purely footballing contest, following violent clashes between Colombia and Uruguay fans during the semi-final in Charlotte. “We want to reaffirm and warn that no action will be tolerated that tarnishes this global football celebration,” CONMEBOL stated.

What time is the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia

The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia is set to kick-off by 1am Nigerian time on Monday, July 15, 2024.

How to watch

You also catch the game on major streaming Football apps.

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