by Ben Ayuko
{image by GOLPERU}
Who will be the Kings of the Americas?
That is the question…in question and it will be answered on Saturday night as Argentina face Colombia in the final of the Copa América tournament 2024.
Argentina, fresh off a World Cup victory in the last international tournament anyone has played in (save for the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled in mid-February, for some reason), will be looking to cap off a period of international success with yet another trophy in their cabinet, retaining the Copa trophy they currently hold. And they will be feeling really confident about doing so because, while Colombia is one of the better sides in the tournament, they were never really classed among the favourites. There is a clear gap in quality in certain areas of the pitch. That, coupled with the fact that La Albiceleste boast, in their ranks, a person whom many consider the greatest footballer who has ever played the game, Captain Lionel Messi, it is looking almost like a formality for Argentina to add to their trophy cabinet.
The Colombians, though, should not be underestimated as they too have enjoyed a really good tournament. Having gone toe-to-toe with the likes of Brazil and beating other tournament favourites Uruguay with 10-men in the semi-final, they will feel that they definitely have a chance to cause a major upset and lift the coveted trophy themselves. Legendary Star man and captain James Rodrigeuz will be looking to partner with mercurial winger, Luis Diaz, in order to run the Argentina defense ragged and give their team the advantage.
Both teams will have the chance to double the number of Copas they hold as they have each only won it once before. Therefore, in terms of tournament history, Los Cafeteros have just as much of chance of winning as Argentina.
It is a classic tale of the underdog, with the backs to the wall, coming up against a Goliath of an opponent.
Will Argentina add another notch to their metaphorical belt, or will Colombia rise to the occasion and become the pride of a nation?