The final game for Copa America had arrived. Two of the best teams in the tournament faced off to earn the title of the region’s best team. Lionel Scaloni brought Argentina to a consecutive appearance in the final. They had to repeat a championship-winning streak only Spain had achieved from 2008-2012. Colombia held their own with an astonishing 28-game undefeated record as well. Two squads with a legacy at play, but one of these storylines had to end in disappointment.
A legacy is born
Losing was not in the books for both teams, so there was no room for mistakes. Colombia was going to base their game on their main man, James Rodriguez, and the connection between Luis Diaz and Richard Rios to go against Emiliano Martinez and company. The albiceleste however, had her plan for the final. They appealed to their recent success history and hoped that names like Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi would break the tie in their favor one last time.
Argentina had the first goal attempt of the game within seconds from kickoff after Julian Alvarez failed to connect Montiel’s cross properly. John Cordoba answered back for Colombia shortly after with a half-volley in midair that hit the outside of the post. Messi almost gave Argentina the lead after a combined play with Di Maria left Messi unmarked. Had the play been clean and executed properly, Messi would given them the lead. Unfortunately, the shot took a deflection on Julian Alvarez. Colombia continued pressing as well, but James was uncomfortable and struggled to create chances to break up the Argentinian defensive line.
Messi ran into trouble midway through the first half. His ankle took a bad twist after he tried to keep the ball in play, but he pushed through until halftime. Colombia resumed its quest to press Argentina and probably found its best chance to take the lead through Davinson Sanchez. He was able to header the ball but missed the target. The opportunity worked as a wake-up call for Argentina, which went on the attack from that point on, but not without taking a moral hit.
Messi went down again by the 63rd minute with a no-contact foul. While it was believed that it was a muscle-related injury, it was later shown that his ankle was the driving force behind the substitution. The game did enter a tense period, with each player going above and beyond to win every tackle or to find the spaces. So much so that Montiel got substituted shortly after Messi due to injury. The game had a very tactical tone, and neither team was able to find the back of the net.
The final would be decided in extra time, so the substitutions made the difference. Colombia decided to switch out Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez, and Richard Rios. Three of your most talented players left the field to give Argentina some breathing space. However, I do believe that the manager should have left James and Diaz a bit longer. Argentina did follow up with the substitutions as a way to counter-attack the modifications. Scaloni brought in Lo Celso, Leandro Paredez, and Latauro Martinez to turn the tie in their favor.
Argentina showcased the depth and strength within his squad. Ironically, the three players who came on the field participated in the play, which resulted in the game’s winning goal. Latauro Martinez was able to redeem himself from that missed chance against France in the World Cup final. He became Argentina’s new hero with his goal in extra time.
Colombia won the hearts of the football world despite their defeat. They displayed a more dynamic style of play that made them the second-best in the tournament. Manager Nestor Lorenzo highlighted before the match that the group is continuing to learn and will keep improving over time. Their objective now is to qualify for the World Cup above everything else. He also emphasized that Argentina’s win should no longer be considered luck. The team led by Scaloni has now won a third consecutive final, marking the beginning of a legacy led by Scaloni.
The match also signaled the end of the road for players like Otamendi and Di Maria in the national team. They bow out as winners, having won everything there is to win. I could build a case for Messi to call it quits but it’s a very complex situation. Let’s focus on what is ahead and how promising the immediate future is for Argentina. Players like Julian Fernandez, Garnacho, and Emiliano Martinez will be the next ones in line. Hopefully, they continue building momentum and continue the ongoing project that the national team has in place.
Beyond the field
I can’t sign off without acknowledging the elephant in the room. What took place at Hard Rock Stadium was unacceptable. We have to do better as a society in general and understand that this is not the motherland. If you decide to live elsewhere, you have to adapt to the rules and manners of the place where you live. People were injured, and ticket holders were unable to watch the game due to the situations that had taken place before the game. It’s unthinkable that we took two steps back two years from the World Cup. Let’s be better next time.
I take these next few lines to thank the people who made my Copa America coverage one to remember. Juan Carlos Rubiano gave me a hand, capturing amazing pictures throughout the tournament. Lilibeth Rendon and Paolo Cruz, thank you for motivating me every step of the way. And last but not least, you, the reader, know that every click, share, and comment comes a long way, so thank you.
Thank you, Alexander Wilson and Empire Sports Media, for allowing this crazy dream to come true. Hopefully, this is only the beginning.