Argentina vs Colombia: Five key battles that may decide Copa America 2024 final

The two teams can be divided into several individual player battles.

Two Argentine masterminds, Lionel Scaloni and Nestor Lorenzo will clash their sides in America’s premium men’s international football tournament. Defending champions Argentina are set to clash with the 2001 winners Colombia in the grand finale of Copa America 2024.

Dreaming of their 16th Copa America title, a formidable Argentina football team will have Colombia in their way at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami. Both teams possess long unbeaten runs with squads replicating a perfect mix of young prolific talents and old veterans of the tournament. 

Tactically, it’s set to be a neck-to-neck clash with very little to separate between the two sides. On that note, let’s have a look at the key battles that can decide who holds the coveted Copa America 2024 trophy:

5. Lionel Messi vs Jefferson Lerma

Lionel Messi hasn’t clicked fully in the ongoing competition, having scored only one goal and provided one assist till now. All eyes will be desperate to see the legends’ magic in the finale. His best-in-class dribbling, scoring, and chance creation will be much awaited.

Blocking Messi has been the biggest challenge for any player for over a decade. Lorenzo might rest this crucial responsibility on highly trusted Jefferson Lerma. Besides scoring two goals, Lerma is known for his apt blocking, marking and tackles. If he manages to mark Messi, La Albiceleste will look thwarted.

Also read: Argentina vs Colombia: Rivalry Watch | Copa America 2024 final

4. Julian Alvarez vs Santiago Arias

The young and lethal Argentine forward, Julian Alvarez has displayed some glimpses of his class in the ongoing competition but hasn’t met his true potential. He usually starts the proceedings and is later changed for Lautaro Martinez.

With Daniel Munoz out, Santiago Arias must bear the responsibilities of keeping his runs in control and blocking him for the time he stays on the pitch. Arias will also need to take care of an in-form Martinez along with the entire back-line.

Also read: Argentina vs Colombia combined XI | Copa America 2024 final

3. Lautaro Martinez vs Camilo Vargas

Lautaro Martinez has been in the best form in this competition, he has scored goals acting as a super-sub for Lionel Scaloni. His lethal strikes in this edition have already made him the leading goal-scorer in the entire edition. Scaloni is expected to use him as a substitute for Alvarez as the finale proceeds.

Colombia’s first-choice goalie Camilo Vargas has performed consistently well in Copa America 2024. He has managed to keep a clean sheet in both the knock-outs and performed well against the formidable forward lines of Brazil and Uruguay. Vargas needs to stay alert from the rough shots of Martinez to avoid unnecessary howlers.

Also read: Argentina vs Colombia: All-time head-to-head record | Copa America 2024 final

2. Nahuel Molina vs Luis Diaz

Nahuel Molina as a full-back has performed exceptionally well from the right. It is for his efforts along with the other defenders of La Albiceleste, that the side has faced only one goal so far. His error-free clearances and successful tackles are a huge plus for the side.

Luis Diaz pacing in from the left wing needs to clear Molina’s obstruction to shock the defending champions. He has scored a goal each against Costa Rica and Panama but getting past the best defence especially Molina will be the toughest nut.

1. Rodrigo de Paul vs James Rodriguez

Rodrigo de Paul has been brilliant for Argentina, playing full minutes in every game, except for the Peru match where he and a lot of other first-team players were rested. In Scaloni’s system, Paul is vested with the responsibility of disposing of any play-making activities from the other side.

In the final, De Paul needs to replicate the same behaviour when he will be battling an in-form James Rodriguez. The Colombia captain has been the biggest star for his side, with six assists and one goal in five appearances.

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