Lionel Messi aims to guide Argentina to their 16th Copa America title as they face off against Colombia

Lionel Messi is on the verge of leading Argentina to their record 16th Copa America title. Colombia is determined to prevent this in a final that pits the tournament favorite against a team gaining momentum.

The match will take place Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium, which also hosted two group stage matches and will be a venue during the 2026 World Cup.

Before the final, there were concerns about safety following an incident involving Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez and teammates, who intervened in a fan altercation at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, after Uruguay’s semifinal win over Colombia.

Uruguay captain José Giménez explained that players went into the stands to protect their families. Coach Marcelo Bielsa strongly criticized tournament organizers for not adequately ensuring the safety of players’ families seated behind the Uruguay bench.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his worry about potential incidents, saying, “I’m concerned about what could happen tomorrow,” with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez adding that reinforcing security would be beneficial.

CONMEBOL stated in a press release that they will not tolerate any actions that mar a global football celebration.

Argentina, champions of the Copa America in 2021 and World Cup in 2022, has the opportunity to join Spain (2008-2012) as the only nation to win three consecutive major championships.

Despite a leg injury, 37-year-old Messi has not been the dominant force in Argentina’s journey to Sunday’s final.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner swiftly maneuvered past defenders and set up scoring chances for his teammates, finally scoring himself by deflecting Enzo Fernández’s shot past Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, sealing Argentina’s 2-0 victory in the semifinal.

Looking ahead to the final, Messi acknowledged he had been dealing with discomfort during the tournament but expressed confidence it wouldn’t hinder him on Sunday. “I’ll feel better in the final,” he told DSports in an interview.

Colombia enters its first Copa America final in 23 years on the back of a record 28-game unbeaten streak, surpassing the previous team record of 27 from 1992-94, which is currently the longest in men’s international soccer.

James Rodríguez has been Colombia’s standout player, leading the tournament with six assists, the most in a single Copa America since data started being tracked in 2011, surpassing Messi’s five in 2021.

“James has had an outstanding Copa America,” said Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo through an interpreter. “We are fortunate to have him performing at a high level. The team has supported him… I hope his performance in the final will be exceptional.”

Lorenzo praised his team’s collective effort, highlighting their emotional victory over 15-time champion Uruguay, and thanked Colombian fans for their unwavering support—Colombia’s matches, along with Argentina’s, have drawn some of the largest crowds.

However, Lorenzo emphasized that reaching the final shouldn’t be seen as a surprise for their resurgent team, which won its only Copa America title at home in 2001.

“We hope it won’t be such a surprise to reach a final, something unexpected,” he said. “We aim to always be at the top. It’s challenging… Let’s hope we can maintain this momentum. Let’s hope we can continue.”

Argentina and Colombia met in the 2021 semifinal, with Argentina prevailing 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Colombia’s last victory over Argentina in the Copa America group stage was in 2019.

“We’ll play our style,” Scaloni commented. “We always have a plan, but the final is always tense, and the team that handles the pressure better will win.”