Argentina’s predicted lineup against Colombia in the Copa America 2024 final will likely feature very few changes from the starting XI that defeated Canada less than a week prior.
Argentina came into this summer’s Copa America as the favorites to win the tournament, and La Albiceleste are just one victory away from proving the world right. Lionel Scaloni’s squad easily finished atop Group A, and then defeated Ecuador and Canada to make the final on July 14.
Argentina’s success allowed Scaloni to rest and rotate players the entire competition, but the manager will start his best XI to face Colombia, a team that has not lost in over two years. Without any injuries or suspensions plaguing the reigning champions, they will be at full strength for what could be a historic night in Florida.
Here’s what Argentina’s starting XI could look like against Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium.
GK: Emiliano Martínez – Martinez has only conceded one goal the entire tournament, but will face his toughest test against Colombia’s attack in the Copa America 2024 final.
RB: Nahuel Molina – Molina was benched in favor of Gonzalo Montiel in the semi-final, but expect the Atletico Madrid man to get the start on Sunday.
CB: Cristian Romero – Romero took a knock against Canada, but the center-back will be ready to go against Colombia.
CB: Lisandro Martínez – After injuries kept him sidelined for most of the 2023/24 season, Martinez has been an invaluable asset next to Romero this summer, helping his side keep four of five clean sheets.
LB: Nicolas Tagliafico – Tagliafico’s starting job looked to be in jeopardy after Marcos Acuna started the first match of the tournament, but the Lyon man has started every game since, proving to be a reliable and consistent player on the left flank for Lionel Scaloni.
CM: Rodrigo De Paul – De Paul got involved with Argentina’s attack against Canada, recording his first assist of the tournament, but he will have to play a much more defensive role to help lock down James Rodriguez and co. in the midfield.
CM: Enzo Fernandez – Fernandez finally achieved full match fitness after his groin surgery in April. The midfielder started both of Argentina’s knockout matches, so he will likely get the nod in the final as well.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister – Mac Allister has had the best tournament of Argentina’s midfielders, and will get his 31st cap for his country on July 14.
RW: Angel Di Maria – Di Maria has been a question mark in Lionel Scaloni’s starting XI this summer, but it is hard to imagine the winger will be kept on the bench after Argentina so clearly struggled to produce chances without him on the pitch against Chile and Ecuador.
ST: Lionel Messi – Messi scored his first goal of the tournament in the semi-finals, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will look for more against a weakened Colombian backline.
LW: Julian Alvarez – Alvarez bagged Argentina’s winner against Canada, and proved to Lionel Scaloni that he should start up top alongside Messi instead of Lautaro Martinez. The winger should find plenty of success since Colombia’s starting right-back, Daniel Munoz, is suspended.
