Argentina seek ‘triple crown’ but Colombia aim for upset in Copa America final

MIAMI – Argentina can become the first South American team to win the “triple crown” of three straight major tournament titles if they overcome Colombia in the Copa America final on July 14.

The Lionel Messi-led side followed up their 2021 Copa title with the World Cup triumph in 2022 and have advanced with little drama to this weekend’s showpiece.

Spain are the only other team to have won a World Cup in between two straight continental titles when they prevailed at the European Championship in 2008 and 2012 either side of the 2010 World Cup.

As well as achieving that landmark, a win would also give Argentina a record 16th Copa title, breaking a tie with Uruguay.

But Colombia, whose sole Copa title came in 2001, are also on an impressive run heading into what should be a fiery night at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Colombia are unbeaten in 28 matches, a record for the team, and have arguably had the tougher route to the final, needing to defeat Uruguay 1-0 in the semi-finals despite going down to 10 men for the entire second half. 

In many ways, the July 14 showpiece is the perfect final for the tournament.

Few would dispute that the two best teams in the 16-nation competition will fight for the title and there should be an electric atmosphere with both sides able to draw on support from large communities in Miami.

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina, the world No. 1, are the favourites, but few expect a one-sided game.

“Scaloni knows them all by heart. Argentina today have a solidity that is foolproof and they have the added bonus of having the best player in the world, which is why they are the big favourites,” said former Chile and Inter Milan striker Ivan Zamorano, who is covering the tournament as a television pundit.

But former Colombia star midfielder Carlos Valderrama believes a surprise could be on the cards.

“I see Colombia winning on Sunday,” he told AFP. “We have a great team to dream about.

“I am optimistic about the national team, because of the process and the results they have been getting, and also because of the way they are playing.

“The team is unbeaten, is playing well in the Copa, with James (Rodriguez) as the best player in the tournament, so we can dream of being champions because we have a great team.”

Rodriguez, who grabbed global attention with his performances at the 2014 World Cup, has never truly lived up to expectations at club level with the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

But the 33-year-old midfielder, now plying his trade with Brazilian club Sao Paulo, is producing some of his best football for his country, having racked up a record six assists at this tournament.

There is an emotional factor for Argentina, with the final also being the international swansong for 36-year-old winger Angel di Maria.

“I’m not ready for my last game with the national team, but it’s time,” he said.

“A thousand things can happen, but I think that whatever happens, I can go out on a high note. I’ve done everything to be able to leave through that door,” added the Benfica midfielder.

While defender Nicolas Otamendi, 36, may also depart, it remains to be seen if this will be the last tournament for Messi, who will turn 39 during the 2026 World Cup.

“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,” he said after their 2-0 semi-final win over Canada.

The Canadians meet Uruguay in the third-place play-off on July 13 (July 14, Singapore time). AFP