The 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia could be unpredictable, with Messi and James Rodriguez being notable stars who could help decide the title for the home team.
The 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia is eagerly awaited by fans. Colombia have been unbeaten in 28 consecutive matches, but the last team to beat them was Argentina (on February 1, 2022). It has been more than two years since that defeat, and Argentina are aiming for a third consecutive major title after winning the 2020 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup, which would be a treble for Lionel Messi and his national team. But achieving this feat will not be easy, as Colombia are in good form and below are the keys that could decide the 2024 Copa America final.
The power of set pieces
At the 2024 Copa America, no team is better than Colombia at making the most of set-pieces. Four of James Rodriguez’s six assists have come from set-pieces, with Davidson Sanchez and Rodrigo Munoz the targets to capitalise on. Even midfielders like Colombia’s Jefferson Lerma can be dangerous from set-pieces, with every player on their team potentially a threat.
Argentina may be at a physical disadvantage against Colombia, but they still hold up well, especially with goalkeeper Emilano Martinez excelling. Argentina will not be easily defeated, but they must focus on every Colombian player in set pieces.
Battle of the number 10: Lionel Messi – James Rodriguez
If you ask who is the best number 10 player at Copa America 2024, the name that will surely be mentioned will be Lionel Messi. But let’s stop for a moment, James Rodriguez’s achievements this season have far surpassed Messi when the Argentine mainstay missed many scoring opportunities and injuries could be a reason for the impact, up to now he has only 1 goal and 1 assist. Meanwhile, James Rodriguez scored 1 goal, contributed 6 assists after 5 matches and won the title of Player of the Match twice.
James Rodriguez has been in fine form at the 2024 Copa America , dragging defenders across the pitch, creating space for Luis Diaz and helping Colombia launch attacks. Throughout Rodriguez’s career, Carlo Ancelotti has been the coach who has brought the best out of Rodriguez, but Nestor Lorenzo is showing that he knows how to use Colombia’s No. 10 very effectively too.
Central stopper De Paul
Lionel Messi has his own bodyguard off the pitch, and on the pitch he also has a protector in De Paul. It is not easy for opponents to get past De Paul, who has the ability to disrupt any opponent’s attack. When De Paul wins the ball, he can open up the attack by passing the ball to one of Argentina’s talented creative players, Lionel Messi being one of his targets. Therefore, Colombia coach Lorenzo needs to find the key to overcome Argentina’s central defender, which will help them make a difference or disrupt the opponent’s game.
De Paul will be keeping a close eye on James Rodriguez and Colombia will have to find different ways to play the ball. Colombia will be without Munoz, who is suspended for a red card in the semi-finals, and they can look to Luis Diaz, but Argentina will also be keeping a close eye on him on the wing.
