Copa America 2024: B/R Staff Predictions
It's a heavyweight clash of South American powers as Argentina takes on Colombia in the final of the Copa America on Sunday.
All eyes will be on the dueling No. 10s in the matchup, with arguably the GOAT of soccer in Lionel Messi looking to win one more international trophy while James Rodriguez attempts to bring back Colombia's first continental title since 2001.
Both teams have star power. Both teams will be well represented on neutral ground.
So, who's taking home the trophy?
The B/R World Football staff got together to provide their predictions for this one.
Got your own take on the game? Submit them now in the comment section of the app!
James Finally Wins a Big Trophy with Colombia
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All tournament, I've been writing and saying that Argentina would defend its Copa América title and that Lionel Messi and Co. are still strong enough.
Am I really going to change horses in the middle of the race?
Yes. Give me Colombia.
Obviously, James Rodriguez making the attack tick has been extremely compelling, but the balance they showed in the semifinal win against Uruguay convinced me that they have the defensive stoppers needed to keep Messi, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez and others relatively in check.
Prediction: 2-1, Colombia
- Jon Arnold
Messi Magic in Miami Sees Argentina Retain Copa America
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How do you overlook Lionel Messi grabbing his fourth international trophy in his newly adopted backyard of Miami? It once seemed like the Barcelona icon would never lift a thing with Argentina, but times have changed, and this squad should be considered among the best the nation has ever produced.
It's a team with two defeats in 61 matches. They are up against a quite stunning Colombia side, though, who are currently on an unbeaten run of 28 games.
Nestor Lorenzo has brought James Rodriguez back to prominence and is reaping the rewards. His goal and six assists should see him be named Player of the Tournament no matter what happens, but his playmaker brilliance is complemented by tremendous energy, dribbling power and commitment of those around him.
Both teams have needed their star man to slow down and use their brilliant footballing brains more to see success.
Colombia are a formidable team and there's an argument to suggest they deserve the prize. But how do you overlook Messi? Throw in the fact it's Angel Di Maria's last international match–a man who has played a significant role in Argentina's prolonged success–and it just seems a step too far for Lorenzo's men.
Prediction: 2-0, Argentina
- Nick Akerman
Colombia Recaptures Copa America Crown
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Let's deal with the elephant (or GOAT) in the room first.
Even at 37 years old, Lionel Messi is still doing Lionel Messi things, and it's been a delight to watch. He's been leading by example in the United States, providing a goal and an assist and generally holding the attention of anyone with a pulse.
In Lautaro Martinez, he has an energetic, goalscoring machine in front of him who has notched four goals and leads the Golden Boot standings. They are a fearsome combination, and the elder statesman will want to add one more international trophy before potentially stepping down from national team duty.
But up against them is Colombia. Los Cafeteros are on a remarkable run of form, holding the longest unbeaten streak in men's international football and showing exactly zero nerves regardless of who they are up against.
In their first Copa America final in 23 years, some anxiety might just creep in, but given their unstoppable run, it's hard to bet against them. After keeping their composure to secure a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the semifinals, even with 10 men for half of the game, this is their year.
Prediction: Colombia win, 1-0
- Leo Collis
Argentina Will Just Edge Colombia in an Exciting Final
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I'll get to my prediction in a moment, but to set the table: there are reasons to back both of these teams on Sunday.
Argentina have been the top dog in the Americas for years -- they won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup, and have a chance to bookend their triumph in Qatar with another regional title. No team at this tournament has Argentina's blend of elite attacking talent, midfield variety, and defensive chops. Toss in Emi Martinez's penalty shootout exploits and you have an elite outfit.
Colombia have gone an absurd 28 games without losing. They failed to qualify for the last World Cup, so there's a slight asterisk, but that streak shows their quality. With James Rodriguez discovering his old form, Luis Diaz's skill, and a slew of flexible and aggressive players swirling around them, Colombia have the right recipe to hang around in every game.
Still, Argentina will have the best player on the field in Messi and the edge in the shootout should it get there. Lionel Messi is going to lift another trophy.
Prediction: 2-1, Argentina
- Joe Lowery
It's Argentina's Trophy to Lose
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Argentina is primed to win another Copa América title.
Led by Lionel Messi and backed by the likes of Rodrigo De Paul, Julián Álvarez, and Emiliano Martínez, La Albiceleste have marched to the beat of their own drum this tournament.
Though the football hasn't been as electric as people are used to, manager Lionel Scaloni has been pragmatic, shifting formations and personnel based on whatever the team needs.
Take this one instance during Argentina's quarterfinal matchup vs. Ecuador. In the dying moments of the match, Scaloni was unafraid to switch to a back three, locking down the defense before their opponents could find a late winner.
Conversely, the squad's attacking line has been firing on all cylinders. Although Lionel Messi has been uncharacteristically quiet on the scoresheet, the aforementioned Álvarez and Inter Milan's Lautaro Martínez have been there when Messi has an off night.
This team knows what it's like to win major trophies.
The World Cup final in 2022 showed the world that and then some.
The Copa América final should be a walk in the park for this roster. While Colombia will put up a feisty threat, it'll be Argentina's trophy to lose
Prediction: 2-1, Argentina
- Alex Windley
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