Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is urging for a peaceful Copa America final on Sunday, hoping to avoid a repeat of the violent clashes that marred the semi-final between Colombia and Uruguay. After Colombia secured a 1-0 victory in Charlotte, North Carolina, Uruguay players engaged in a physical altercation with opposition fans in the stands.
Scaloni, whose Argentina team will face Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, expressed his desire for a celebratory atmosphere. “I hope the fans have a party, I want it with all my heart. Apart from the joy of winning the title, I think it would be a joy for everyone if it ends well,” he said during a press conference on Saturday.
He also voiced his support for the Uruguay players involved in the incident, acknowledging the Uruguayan Football Association’s statement that their family members had been assaulted by Colombian fans. “We ask the players to set an example, but when something like this happens, no one acts differently. I hope it doesn’t happen again. I don’t know if it’s anybody’s fault, but to see your family in a riot or nearby must be desperate,” Scaloni added.
Argentina’s forward, Angel Di Maria, is set to retire from international football after the final, but Scaloni emphasized that his participation is not guaranteed. “Even though we know it will be his last game, we will always decide first what is best for the team. If he has to play it’s because he has to play, if we decide not to play him it’s because we think differently,” he stated. “We hope that everything goes well and that Angel can retire in the best possible way,” he concluded.
Argentina, who defeated Canada 2-0 in the semi-final, is seeking to extend their impressive winning streak in finals. They triumphed in the 2021 Copa America in Brazil, the Intercontinental final against European champions Italy in 2022, and the World Cup in Qatar against France. “It is a final and every final has its nuances. We will try to play it and win it. Every team that goes to a final knows the flavour of it and what’s at stake,” Scaloni remarked.
