Copa America 2019, Argentina v Colombia: Match preview, key players and more
Argentina's latest bid to win some silverware begins this Saturday as they take on Colombia in their opening game of Copa America 2019. Lionel Messi has been waiting for a long time to lay his hands on an international trophy, and now he leads his national side once again hoping to go all the way but is up against James Rodriguez' Colombia.
Colombia will be looking forward to punish Lionel Scaloni's side with threats coming in from Radamel Falcao, Duvan Zapata and James Rodriguez. Scaloni has not been able to establish a perfect formation and playing style and this is what Colombia may take advantage of.
Argentina come into this tournament as one of the favorites and only secondary to Brazil in this aspect. Their attacking options are more than enough to send shivers down the opponents' spine with Messi rallying alongside Sergio Aguero, Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez and more.
Kickoff information
Date: 15th June 2019
Time: 19:00 (local time), 03:30 (IST) (16th June)
Venue: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Bahia
Form guide
Last five fixtures
Argentina: W-W-L-W-W
Colombia: W-W-L-W-W
Head-to-head
Argentina: 23 wins
Colombia: 8 wins
Draws: 7
Key player - Argentina
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is one of the best players in the world, but one thing that stands between him and greatness is success with the Argentina national team. The Barcelona forward has won everything possible with his club but is eyeing glory with his country mates.
Having lost 3 finals in recent years which include a World Cup final loss to Germany and two Copa America losses, the five time Ballon d'Or winner is roaring to have a go again.
Key player - Colombia
James Rodriguez
Despite his recent struggles with Bayern Munich, James Rodriguez has always been exceptional for his national side. The former AS Monaco star has been instrumental to Colombia's meteoric rise.
The Real Madrid man is capable of creating something out of nowhere and with the likes of Radamel Falcao and Duvan Zapata he can cause a major upset.