Lionel Messi is on the cusp of leading Argentina to a historic 16th Copa America title, but a formidable Colombia side stands in their way. The final showdown will take place at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday night, a venue that hosted two group stage matches and will be the site of seven games during the 2026 World Cup. However, the match will be played under a cloud of security concerns following a violent incident at a previous game.
After Uruguay’s semifinal victory over Colombia, a physical brawl broke out between fans at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The situation escalated when Uruguay captain José Giménez and several of his teammates entered the stands to protect their families, who were seated behind the Uruguayan bench. Coach Marcelo Bielsa sharply criticized tournament organizers for their lack of security measures, prompting concerns from both Argentina and Colombia ahead of the final.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed worry, saying through an interpreter, “I’m concerned about what could happen tomorrow.” Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez echoed his concerns, stating, “It would be great if we could reinforce security.” In response, CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American football, issued a statement condemning any actions that threaten the integrity of the tournament.
Argentina, the reigning Copa America champions and 2022 World Cup winners, are seeking to emulate Spain’s feat of winning three consecutive major championships (2008-12). However, Messi, despite his incredible career, has been hampered by a leg injury throughout the tournament. Despite the discomfort, he has shown flashes of brilliance, creating scoring opportunities and ultimately securing a goal in the semifinal victory over Canada. Looking ahead to the final, Messi expressed confidence, telling DSports, “In the final, I’m going to feel better.”
Colombia, meanwhile, are making their first Copa America final appearance in 23 years, riding an impressive 28-game unbeaten streak, their longest in team history. James Rodríguez, arguably the tournament’s best player, has been instrumental in Colombia’s success. He leads the tournament with six assists, surpassing Messi’s five assists from the 2021 Copa America. Colombia’s coach, Néstor Lorenzo, praised his team’s collective efforts and thanked the Colombian fans for their unwavering support. However, he also emphasized the need for consistency. “We’d love it if it wouldn’t be such a surprise to get to a final, so unexpected,” he said. “We’d like to be always on top. It’s not easy. Let’s hope this can last. Let’s hope we can keep on going.”
The two teams last faced each other in the 2021 Copa America semifinal, where Argentina emerged victorious after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Colombia’s last victory over Argentina in the Copa America came in the group stage of the 2019 tournament.
Both coaches are focused on delivering their respective game plans, but Scaloni recognizes the unique pressure of a final. “We are going to play our game,” Scaloni said. “You always have a plan, but the final is always a stressful game, and the one who is under the least stress will win.” The stage is set for an intense battle between two formidable teams, each with their own aspirations and motivations. The Copa America final promises to be a captivating spectacle, with the fate of history hanging in the balance.
