The time has finally arrived for soccer fans to experience the sport at its toughest. Two South American giants, Colombia and Argentina, will lock horns in the final of the Copa America 2024. Since their knockout from the 2019 Copa America, Le Albiceleste has been on a rampage, winning three consecutive international titles and being on the verge of winning the fourth. However, unlike recent encounters, Lionel Messi and co. will face an in-form, resilient, and mentally strong Colombia.

Nestor Lorenzo’s men resisted Uruguay, the only team to beat the holding champions after their World Cup victory with just ten men. But they dealt a major blow to their squad in the game, which may play an important role in the final. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Angel Di Maria, who is set to play his last international game. No other player has been as influential as him in helping Argentina and Messi win international titles and will expect to finish his spell similarly. But is Messi ready to play after a few issues in the competition? What are the latest injury updates for both teams and how are they expected to line up? Let’s explore.

Argentina vs Colombia: All you need to know

Injury and team news

Argentina: The 15-time competition winners can consider themselves fortunate after Lionel Messi was back playing against Ecuador and Canada. After suffering a hamstring issue earlier against Chile, the player may not be at his best but will take the field on Sunday. The squad doesn’t have any other injury issues and is expected to go with the same team that played in the semifinals.

Colombia: Everything was going well for Los Cafeteros until right-back Daniel Munoz decided to elbow the opponent, resulting in a red card. The defender will miss the game and will be replaced by Santiago Arias in the backline. Due to injuries, Richard Rios was taken off in the 61st minute, suggesting an issue with his leg, and a doubt for tomorrow’s match. Mateus Uribe could replace him.

Expected Lineups

Argentina XI: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi; Julian Alvarez.

Colombia: Camilo Vargas; Santiago Arias, Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, Johan Mojica; Richard Rios, Jefferson Lerma; Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz; Jhon Cordoba.

Head-to-head and predictions

Both teams locked horns with each other on 39 occasions in the past. Argentina won 22 of those games, while Colombia aced the battle 9 times. the rest of the fixtures ended in a draw. Regardless, Scaloni’s team goes into the game as favorites, with Opta’s supercomputer giving them a 50.9% percent chance. However, with the stringent effort put in by James Rodriguez’s squad until now, the battle is expected to be tight.

Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Colombia

When and where to watch the match live on TV

The final of Copa America will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 2000 hrs ET and 1700 hrs PST. Fans can watch the game live on Fox Network and stream on Fubo TV.