The predicted line-up for Argentina and Colombia in the Copa America 2024 final will likely have very few changes to the starting XI that defeated Canada in less than a week.
Argentina entered this summer’s Copa America as favorites to win the tournament, while La Albiceleste are one victory away from making sure the world is right. Lionel Scaloni’s side easily topped Group A, beating Ecuador and Canada to reach the final on July 14.
Argentina’s success has allowed Scaloni to rest and rotate players throughout the tournament, but the manager will start his best XI to face Colombia, a team that has not lost in two years. Barring any injuries or suspensions plaguing the defending champions, they will have full strength for what could be a historic night in Florida.
Here’s what Argentina’s starting XI could look like against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium.
GK: Emiliano MartÃnez – Martinez has scored just one goal all tournament, but will face a tough test against Colombia’s attack in the Copa America 2024 final.
RB: Nahuel Molina – Molina was benched in favor of Gonzalo Montiel in the semi-final, but expect the Atletico Madrid man to start on Sunday.
CB: Cristian Romero – Romero scored against Canada, but the defender will be ready to face Colombia.
CB: Lisandro MartÃnez – After injury kept him out for most of the 2023/24 season, Martinez has been a valuable asset alongside Romero this summer, helping his side keep four out of five clean sheets.
LB: Nicolas Tagliafico – Tagliafico’s first job looked in jeopardy after Marcos Acuna started the first game of the tournament, but the Lyon man has started every game since, proving to be a reliable and consistent player on Lionel Scaloni’s left side.
CM: Rodrigo De Paul – De Paul was involved in Argentina’s attack against Canada, recording his first assist of the tournament, but will have to play a defensive role to help shut down James Rodriguez and co. in the middle of the field.
CM: Enzo Fernandez – Fernandez finally regained full game fitness after his groin surgery in April. The midfielder has started both of Argentina’s qualifiers, so is likely to get a point in the final.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister – Mac Allister had the best tournament of the Argentine midfielders, and will receive his 31st game for his club on July 14.
RW: Angel Di Maria – Di Maria has been a question mark for Lionel Scaloni’s starting XI this summer, but it is hard to imagine the defender being kept on the bench after Argentina struggled to create chances without him on the pitch against Chile and Ecuador.
ST: Lionel Messi – Messi scored his first goal of the tournament in the semi-final, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be looking for more against Colombia’s weaker defenders.
LW: Julian Alvarez – Alvarez scored Argentina’s winner against Canada, proving to Lionel Scaloni that he should start up front alongside Messi instead of Lautaro Martinez. The defender should get a lot of success now that Colombia’s starting right back, Daniel Munoz, is suspended.
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