Argentina vs Colombia Copa America 2024 Final: Will James Rodriguez’s Mercurial Rise Spoil Party for Lionel Messi and Co?
James Rodrigues has been in great form, while Lionel Messi has not shown much impact on games by his standards. with the Argentina vs Colombia Copa America 2024 Final just hours away, who will rise to the occasion?
Lionel Messi was said to have completed his football when he won the 2022 World Cup. And now ‘enjoying’ football the Argentine captain has already confirmed his plans post Copa America 2024 tournament. Even though he is not retiring from the sport, this will be his last continental tournament with the South American Giants. But the team is against one of the toughest opponents in the competition – Colombia National Football Team, who behind James Rodiguez’s burst on the offensive end defeated many strong contenders. Lamine Yamal Wants to Face Lionel Messi in ‘Finalissima’ As He Hopes Spain and Argentina Win UEFA Euro 2024 and Copa America Tournaments.
Lionel Messi and Argentina National Football Team hardly came across any tougher challenge in the five matches played. They faced debutant Canada twice in the competition and also defeated Chile, Peru, and Ecuador to reach the final. Lionel Messi in particular was not on the scoresheet until the recent match and provided just one assist in the competition. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez were superb in front of the goal. ‘Dibu’ also played a vital role with Heroic Penalty shoot-out saves and clean sheets with the help of four defenders in front of him. But they will be facing an altogether different opponent with rejuvenated James Rodrigues.
James Rodriguez’s Rise – Blessing to Colombia and Warning to Argentina?
James Rodrigues turned 33, on July 12, 2024. Exactly 10 years ago, he was a household name as he made a massive impact in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His gameplay and offensive capabilities earned him a Real Madrid Contract, where shinned despite the host of other superstars. But the Colombian star had dreadful seasons later on since his move to Premier League side Everton in 2020. He went out of the limelight and went back to a South American Club Sao Paolo. But his preparations with the Brazilian side flourished him once again and is currently setting and breaking records in the Continental tournament. Copa America 2024: Darwin Nunez, Uruguay Players Brawl With Colombia Fans, Captain Jose Maria Gimenez Claims Players Defending Their Families (Watch Video).
Since Colombia’s loss in the 2022 World Cup qualifier – against Argentina, Los Cafeteros are unbeaten in 38 matches. James Rodriguez was at the heart of their winning run, pulling strings from the midfield. In the Copa America 2024 also, Colombia has scored 12 goals and James Rodriguez is responsible for seven of those strikes. The side has been the most attacking team in the tournament and overcame tougher challengers like Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Argentina, even though have been the best side in the 2024 Copa America with just one goal conceded, they never came across the attacking prowess of the Colombian side.
Will James Rodriguez’s Mercurial Rise Spoil Party for Lionel Messi and Co?
After the World Cup 2022 triumph, Lionel Messi mentioned that he wants to enjoy football and his enjoyment with the ball is a treat to the eyes of spectators. Even though he is not as aggressive as he used to be nearly a year ago, the Argentine Magian is capable of switching gears in a matter of seconds. Like Colombia’s winning run, Argentina is also on a great run, winning 60 out of 63 matches since 2021. Lionel Messi’s Record Broken! James Rodriguez Breaks Star Argentine Footballer’s Record for Most Assists in Single Campaign, Achieves Feat in Copa America 2024.
Argentina stars constantly mention that they are playing for their country and captain, which will be an important factor in the match-up against Colombia. The Argentina National Football Team has a chance to become only the second team since the 2008-2012 Spain side to win back-to-back continental trophies with a World Cup win in between. Even though James Rodrigues poses an immense threat to their title defence, Lionel Scaloni is quite aware of shutting down some of the best playmakers and strikers in the world. While it is hard to predict a winner with the two best teams of the Copa America 2024, we expect a thrilling contest.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2024 04:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).