Messi Vs James: The Last Duel Of Two Legends In The Copa America Final, Determination Of Everything!

Lionel Messi (Argentina) and James Rodrmenguez (Colombia), two very talented number 10 players, (photo: copaaagides.com)

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi (Argentina) and James Rodrmenguez (Colombia), two very talented number 10 players, will be decisive captains in the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.

Argentina and Colombia will play on Sunday, July 14 or Monday 15 July at 08.00 WIB, at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, to determine the winner of the 48th edition of this tournament. For 33-year-old Rodrguez and 37-year-old Messi, this may be their last edition.

A spectacular final awaits as defending champions Argentina and Colombia, who are unbeaten in 28 matches, clashes with each other. The tournament has been an unforgettable experience for the two countries led by their legendary captain.

For Argentina, the captain is Lionel Messi. This Rosario centre-forward, who has won 8 Ballon d'Or, won his first Copa AmerricaTM CONMEBOL in the 2021 edition and is now looking for a second continental trophy.

The Argentina number 10 plays an important role in bringing his country to the Copa Final, leading the entire competition in a huge opportunity created (7) and the second-largest number of key passes (15). The Inter Miami player overcomes injury in the Group Phase and remains one of the most influential players in the tournament.

In its final edition of CONMEBOL Copa AmericiaTM, and may also be the final edition for his colleagues and friends such as Badminton Digel and Nicolmen's Otamendi, the winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup will try to make his country the most successful team in the history of this competition with a win in the final. Currently Argentina and Uruguay share achievements with 15 titles each.

On the other hand, Colombia's James Rodrguez has starred in the 'Los Cafeteros'. Rodrkahguez broke Messi's record for the highest number of assists in one edition, with six assists, and has been eager to win his country's first title since 2001.

Born in Cryptocuta, Colombia, the midfielder appeared on the world stage after helping his country on a fantastic journey at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Throughout his career, Rodrkahguez has played for major clubs such as FC Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton.

The 33-year-old and Colombia's team currently have an unbeaten record in 28 games ahead of the final. Rodrtenguez, who played an important role in his country's success in the tournament, led the competition in key passes (17) and was in second place in the great chances created (5).

James' best result, before the 2024 edition, was fourth in 2016, a tournament also held in the United States.

The two number 10 players have met in the world's oldest national football tournament twice before, namely in the 2015 edition of the Quarter-Finals, where Argentina won on penalties, where both players also scored in the penalty shootout. Another meeting was in the 2019 edition Group Phase, where Colombia won 2-0, and Rodrmenguez recorded one assist.

Now, in the 2024 edition, two special teams leading the Copa record will risk everything. These two legendary captains should have been able to help create one of the most memorable tournament closings in CONMEBOL football history.