Will Lionel Messi play for Argentina vs Colombia? Journalist provides update ahead of 2024 Copa America final
Argentina play Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final in a few hours now and journalist Gaston Edul has revealed whether Lionel Messi will play or not. The two sides will face off at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, US.
La Albiceleste are looking to retain their South American crown at the Miami Gardens and lift their fourth trophy of the last three years. They progressed through their group with three wins from three against Canada, Chile and Peru. The reigning Copa America and World Cup winners then saw off Ecuador on penalties in the quarter-finals before a 2-0 win over Canada in the last four.
Messi has been at the heart of their journey so far, and in what's potentially his last appearance in the competition. He will be aiming to bow out with another winner's medal on Sunday.
TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul has revealed on X that the veteran is going to start in the final, which would mark his ninth with Argentina. Edul wrote:
"Starter. His ninth final with the Argentine National Team."
Back in 2007, Messi played his first international final with Argentina, also in Copa America, but arch-rivals Brazil cruised past them 3-0. Since then, he's played in three more finals, losing two in a row in 2015 and 2016 before finally triumphing in 2021.
At the World Cups, Messi saw his dream of lifting the ultimate trophy crushed by Germany in the final in 2014. However, eight years later in 2022, he gained redemption by guiding them to their first title in the competition in 36 years.
Just months before his crowning moment at the World Cup, Argentina also won the Finalissima trophy over then-European champions Italy in a one-off final. Messi was a part of it as well.
Argentina take on unbeaten Colombia in thrilling final
La Albiceleste will be the favorites against Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final, but won't underestimate their opponents. Los Cafeteros are unbeaten in their last 28 games and won all but one game at the ongoing tournament.
After wins over Paraguay and Costa Rica, Colombia saw a 1-1 draw to Brazil in the group stage. They then cruised past Panama and Uruguay in the knockout stages to get to the final. This is their first appearance in the Copa America finals since winning the trophy in 2001.
Argentina have lost just nine times to Colombia in 42 games in their history. However, this might be one of the strongest Colombian sides that they have faced in modern history.