Football A final in the middle of the storm: Argentina and Colombia define the most controversial Copa America

What will we remember from the 2024 Copa América? Time may give a better perspective, however, a few hours before the final, the balance sheet includes more controversial aspects than football. From the organization, to the refereeing and the VAR. Beyond the accessories that have adorned the oldest competition of national teams, the concrete is that Sunday night the champion will be known. We want to keep the crown. The other, to be back at the top after 23 long years. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium hosts Argentina and Colombia .

On a purely sporting level, it is one of the best that the Copa America can present. And just when it is over. The Argentine team confirmed the status of favorite with which it arrived in the United States, but without showing the football that has managed to dazzle everyone. Lionel Scaloni’s team knew how to use its craft: it does not need to deploy the best of its repertoire or to be largely superior to impose itself. The Albiceleste are aiming for their fourth consecutive crown after winning the 2021 Copa América, the Finalíssima and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The match has several heavy meanings for Argentina. The first is that it is played to be the winningest country in the history of the competition. Until date It is tied in the standings with Uruguay, both with 15 crowns. So he has the possibility to inflate his chest even more (he can also have a seven-cup lead over Brazil). The other is this It will be the farewell of the national team for Ángel Di María. Fideo has played a key role in recent trans-Andean titles.

Colombia has advanced to the most difficult side of the ranking, experiencing one of the most significant moments in its history. (28 games without losing). And crowning it with a trophy would be the most resounding thing in more than two decades. They are entrusted to James Rodriguez, the most outstanding footballer in the competition, with six assists and a goal.

The casting was carried out by the Argentinian Néstor Lorenzo He wants his second continental star, and thus reach Chile (among others) in the rankings. The only time the coffee growers won the cup was in 2001, at home, beating Mexico in the final. That edition was as eventful as the current one, because Argentina refused to participate for security reasons. The one who led the transandean was Marcelo Bielsa.

And since everything has to do with everything, Lorenzo and Scaloni have their common history. It was in the Argentina team, because The current Colombian coach was assistant to José Pekerman during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, in which Scaloni was a member.

The Albiceleste strategist spoke at a press conference and referred to what Bielsa said on Friday, during a heated conference, in which El Loco fired high-calibre ammunition against the organisation. “I have already said it clearly, we were the first to say it, because we inaugurated the tournament. “I said that everything had been said because there was no way to solve this problem.” . “We had the Copa America draw in December and the pitches were in this state… Obviously, I totally agree with that.” he added.

The final will be Argentina’s first match against a rival from the top 20 of the FIFA rankings. So far, on their way, they have crossed Canada (48°), Chile (40°), Peru (31°) and Ecuador (30°) twice. For its part, Colombia faced two top 20 teams: Brazil (4th) and Uruguay (14th). Their lowest ranked opponent on the list is Paraguay (58th). Lorenzo considers that their rival in the final did not receive “help” throughout the tournament. “There are successes and mistakes in every match. “I don’t believe in any way that these mistakes allowed Argentina to reach the final,” ” said a DT with a “divided heart”.