As the Copa America final draws near, Argentina’s national team, led by Scaloni, is gearing up intensively. They will face off against the formidable Colombian team at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, competing for South America’s highest football accolade. Since the group stage, Argentina has demonstrated a convincing performance, steadily advancing towards their ultimate goal. Now, standing on the threshold of the final, Scaloni’s squad is poised and eager to recreate the glorious moments from Maracana in 2021.
The entire Argentine team has arrived in Miami and begun targeted training locally. Although the final starting lineup is not yet set, according to reports from Olé, the victorious lineup from the match against Canada is likely to be maintained. This marks the third time in Scaloni’s coaching career that he will “replicate” a lineup, with previous instances occurring during the knockout stages of the 2021 Copa America and friendly matches after winning the World Cup.
Gonzalo Montiel’s health status has become a focal point for the coaching staff. The full-back suffered an injury in the semifinal and is currently undergoing treatment. Scaloni hopes Montiel can recover in time to play in the final; otherwise, Nahuel Molina will replace him. Aside from this player and the injured Marcos Acuña, all other players are in good condition and ready for deployment. In contrast, the Colombian team faces personnel shortages due to Daniel Muñoz’s red card suspension and Richard Ríos’ injury, presenting challenges to their lineup planning.
In midfield, Enzo Fernández, following his outstanding performance against Canada, is set to retain his starting position, with his role as the midfield commander growing increasingly crucial. Rodrigo De Paul and McAllister will continue to form a cohesive force in midfield, supplying ammunition to the front line. As for Di Maria, the veteran has a high likelihood of securing a starting spot in what could be his farewell match for the national team, playing alongside Messi, who, despite encountering some physical discomfort in previous games, has now fully recovered and is in top form.
Up front, Álvarez is expected to maintain his starting position, having gained the upper hand in competition with Lautaro Martínez.
Argentina’s projected starting lineup is as follows:
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (or Nahuel Molina), Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, McAllister
Forwards: Messi, Álvarez, Di Maria
