Messi and Rodriguez, conflict of “10” in Copa America closing

Miami Gardens. The genius of Argentina in opposition to the magician of Colombia.

Lionel Messi and James Rodríguez would be the principal actors in an unprecedented Copa América closing between Argentina and Colombia.

The Exhausting Rock Stadium on the outskirts of Miami would be the scene of a duel of cracks who put on the quantity 10 on their jackets, as captains and with prodigious left foot.

Messi desires to steer Argentina to defend its continental title and go away them alone as probably the most profitable crew within the event, with 16 victories, and break the tie with Uruguay.

Similtaneously reigning world champions, the Albiceleste may additionally emulate Spain as the one groups to be topped champions in three consecutive main tournaments. La Roja did so with the 2010 World Cup, in between the 2008 and 2012 Euro Cups.

At 37, Messi has received every little thing doable with Argentina and at membership stage, together with eight Ballon d’Ors and even an Olympic medal.

Impaired by a muscular ailment, the For cash has not had a blinding Copa América. He has solely scored one objective, a flurry of objectives that sealed the 2-0 victory over Canada within the first semi-final.

However Messi is Messi. At all times. A second of brilliance can come out of nowhere.

“We’re making ready in one of the simplest ways doable, realizing how troublesome the match is, how Colombia is coming, however assured,” Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni stated at a press convention at Exhausting Rock Stadium on Saturday earlier than the final follow session previous to the ultimate. “The thought is to be dominant… so that they don’t damage us,” he stated, with out making any reference to Messi.

Scaloni didn’t reveal the line-up of the crew, however he stated that the Albiceleste are in good type and can attempt to take management of the ball and the match as a result of that approach “the crew turns into stronger.”

Hours earlier than the ultimate, Messi assured that his bodily discomfort won’t have an effect on him.

“I’m going to really feel higher within the closing,” he stated in an interview with DSports. “I felt superb bodily in opposition to Canada. With Chile (the second match of the group stage) I had an issue with my adductor muscle and I didn’t play comfortably anymore. I used to be already slowed down, it bothered me after I needed to arise or transfer laterally. And with Ecuador (within the quarter-finals) I additionally received there excellent. I misplaced my concern within the final match.”

For his half, the rejuvenated James is trying to full a dream marketing campaign with Colombia’s second title and first since they had been topped champions as hosts in 2011.

Preceded by a lackluster season with Sao Paulo, only a few had dared to foretell that the 33-year-old attacking midfielder would face the ultimate because the cup’s standout participant.

“James is a superb participant, it is a pleasure to look at him play,” stated Scaloni, though he clarified that Argentina isn’t specializing in one participant however on a crew.

In keeping with Opta knowledge, James leads everybody when it comes to goal-scoring possibilities created (17) and his six assists symbolize probably the most recorded in a single version of the Copa América since information started in 2011, surpassing Messi’s 5 in 2021.

The Colombians have been the feeling of the event. They’ve simply set a brand new nationwide file with an unbeaten run of 28 video games, 25 since Argentine Nestor Lorenzo took over as coach. They managed to win their group forward of Brazil, beat Panama 5-0 within the quarterfinals and dominated Uruguay 1-0 of their semifinal, resisting the final 50 minutes with one man much less as a result of expulsion of full-back Daniel Muñoz.

The distinction within the recreation in opposition to Uruguay was a header by Jefferson Lerma after a nook kick by James. It was Colombia’s fifth objective of the event from a header, one thing not seen in a cup version since Argentina scored six occasions in a row in that approach once they had been topped champions in 1991.

Some are seeing Sunday evening’s recreation as the tip of an period in Argentina, with the query lingering over whether or not Messi will resolve to finish his profession with Lionel Scaloni’s nationwide crew.

The star has been dwelling in South Florida for a yr after signing with Inter Miami of the MLS and has repeatedly stated that he lives “day after day.”

“Will probably be so long as it needs to be, till I really feel that I am unable to take it anymore,” he stated in his DSports interview.

Will he have the ability to say goodbye on a excessive word?