Argentina and Colombia will contest the 2024 Copa America final on Monday morning (12:00 GMT) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Ghana Sports Market’s editorial director Gariba Raubil previews the huge clash while picking the team he thinks will win the final. 

The Argentines and Uruguay, who defeated Canada to win the 2024 Copa America third-place prize, are the most successful teams in the tournament’s  history with 15 titles each.

Therefore, La Albiceleste will be eyeing to go a step ahead of The Sky Blue with a record 16th Copa honor by edging out James Rodriguez and his Colombian teammates in Monday’s final.

On the flip side, The Coffee Growers are looking to win their second tournament for the first time since 2001, their only title won till date.

Argentina’s Route to 2024 Copa America Final

The world champions topped their group with a hundred percent record, securing 3 wins in as many matches. Thus a 2-0 victory against Canada with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez as the goal scorers, a 1-0 triumph over big rivals Chile, and a 2-0 success against Peru with the Inter Milan attacker Martinez scoring all the goals in the wins against Chile and Peru.

After a 90-minute 1-1 draw against Ecuador in the quarter-final, Lionel Scaloni’s men won 4-3 on penalties to advance thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who saved two of Ecuador’s four kicks.

In the next game, the 2022 World Cup winners secured a comfortable 2-0 win against tournament debutants Canada in the semi-finals with Julian Alvarez and skipper Lionel Messi on target.

La Pulga’s strike made him the second-highest male goal scorer in international football history with 109 goals as Argentina reached their 29th Copa America final.

Colombia’s Route to 2024 Copa America Final

Colombia finished the group play undefeated, recording 2 wins and 1 draw. They defeated Paraguay and Costa Rica 2-1 and 3-0 respectively before drawing their final group match 1-1 against Brazil.

The Coffee Growers spanked Panama 5-0 in the quarter-finals before beating Uruguay 1-0 in the semi-finals to set up a tantalizing final against La Albiceleste.

Since their 1-0 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying in February 2022, they have embarked on a record-breaking unbeaten run. Their semi-final victory over Uruguay, a hard-fought 1-0 win, extended this streak to 28 matches.

Probable Starting Line-ups

While Scaloni has a full house heading into the final, Colombia’s argentine manager Nestor Lorenzo will be without the suspended right-back Daniel Munoz as Santiago Arias is widely tipped to replace the former in Lorenzo’s starting team.

Argentina (4-4-2):

GK Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, Fernandez, De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez

Colombia (4-3-3):

GK Vargas; Santiago Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba.

2024 Copa America Final Tips

1 – Back Argentina to win and Over 2.5 goals to be recorded in the match

2 – Back Argentina to win and Lautaro Martinez to score at any time

3 – Bet on the match to go to extra time

Argentina vs Colombia Prediction

I know Colombia are on a great form heading into this fixture with several of their players on fire, however, I think Argentina are a level above them and will reign supreme as they did against France in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.

So, my prediction is a win for Argentina. I say Argentina 2 Colombia 1.