2024 Copa America Best Bets: Colombia vs. Argentina
The Copa America final features a pair of juggernauts in soccer with Argentina and Colombia.
Lionel Messi will lead La Albiceleste into what could be their third major international trophy in a row after claiming both the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Meanwhile, Los Cafeteros of Colombia enter the match on a legendary 28-match unbeaten streak.
If Argentina can claim victory, they will earn their record 16th Copa America title, breaking a tie with Uruguay. However, Colombia defeated Uruguay 1-0 in the semifinals, and they did so playing a man down for the entire second half (Daniel Muñoz red card).
Argentina is coming off an impressive 2-0 win over Canada, which saw Messi score his first goal of the tournament. That said, Lautaro Martínez has been carrying the load in the attack for the tournament. The 26-year-old’s four goals put him in pole position to claim the Golden Boot in this year’s tournament.
So who will claim the 2024 Copa America championship? Let’s take a look at the matchup and examine some Copa America best bets.
Argentina vs. Colombia Prediction
As mentioned above, Messi, hampered by a hamstring issue, finally reached the back of the net during the semifinal. Argentina will need their star attacker to be at his best.
However, the Copa America outcome will come down to the battle of two talented midfields.
A wild card could come in the form of Alexis Mac Allister, who has only one shot on goal this tournament but has a knack for performing during big moments. If Colombia pays too much attention to Messi and Martínez, we could see another heroic effort from Mac Allister.
Colombia will counter with São Paulo’s James Rodríguez. The 33-year-old has produced one goal and six assists during the tournament, which accounts for 58.3% of Colombia’s open-play goals.
Colombia must control possession to allow Rodriguez, Jefferson Lerma, and Luis Diaz plenty of opportunities to create chances. Earning corners and taking advantage of Rodriguez’s elite set-piece ability may be critical.
Ultimately, it may come down to defense, and who can better “handle” the opposing attack. Colombia’s centerback duo of Carlos Cuesta and Davinson Sánchez will have their hands full with Messi and Julian Alvarez.
On the other hand, Argentina may have the best defense in the tournament, conceding only one goal in five matches. Emiliano Martínez is also superhuman, making big-time saves, especially during penalties.
One could argue that Colombia is in perfect form, while Argentina were barely tested during the tournament. However, after having to play at 110% during their shorthanded heroics against Uruguay, I fear Colombia may run out of gas right before the finish line.
Prediction: Argentina 2 – Colombia 1
Copa America Best Bet: Alexis Mac Allister: Anytime Goal Scorer (+750)
Copa America Best Bet: James Rodriguez Score or Assist (+300)
