Argentina are aiming to achieve an unprecedented ‘triple crown’ of three consecutive major tournament victories as they prepare to face Colombia in the Copa America final on Sunday.
Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina secured the 2021 Copa America title followed by a World Cup triumph in 2022, and they have smoothly progressed to this weekend’s final against Colombia.
Spain remains the only other national team to have won a World Cup in between two consecutive continental championships, achieving Euro titles in 2008 and 2012 surrounding their 2010 World Cup victory.
A victory in the final would not only mark a historic milestone for Lionel Scaloni’s squad by achieving the ‘triple crown’ but also secure Argentina’s record 16th Copa America title, currently tied with Uruguay at 15 titles.
Colombia, however, presents a formidable challenge of their own, entering the final with an impressive unbeaten streak of 28 matches, setting a record for the national team. They navigated a challenging path to the final, overcoming Uruguay despite playing with ten men for the entire second half.
The final promises to be a fitting conclusion to the tournament, featuring arguably the two strongest teams of the 16-nation competition. With a vibrant atmosphere anticipated in Miami, home to large communities of both nations, Argentina, ranked number one by FIFA, enters as favorites. Yet, pundits expect a closely contested match rather than a one-sided affair.
Former Chile and Inter Milan striker Ivan Zamorano, now a television pundit covering the tournament, highlighted Argentina’s solidity and the presence of Messi as key factors favoring their victory. On the other hand, former Colombia midfielder Carlos Valderrama expressed optimism about Colombia’s chances, pointing to their unbeaten run, strong performances in the Copa, and the standout play of James Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, known for his stellar performances in the 2014 World Cup, is enjoying a resurgence at 34 and is seen as pivotal to Colombia’s aspirations. Their sole Copa America triumph came in 2001.
For Argentina, the final also holds emotional significance as it marks the farewell of 36-year-old winger Angel Di Maria from the national team, adding a poignant backdrop to the match. Defender Nicolas Otamendi’s future in international football remains uncertain, while Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, continues to cherish every moment as he nears the latter stages of his career.
However, the focus remains on footballing excellence, with CONMEBOL hoping for a trouble-free final after recent incidents marred matches. CONMEBOL has emphasized their zero-tolerance policy towards any actions that detract from the tournament’s celebration of global football.
Miami, hosting seven games including a quarter-final and the third-place game, is part of the preparations for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, serving as a crucial test for tournament venues.
