Shortly after EURO 2024 wraps itself up with a must-watch final between Spain and England, we have another major international tournament heading to its conclusion. The 2024 Copa America will be decided in Miami on Sunday night, with a face very familiar to the local fans favoured to take the trophy for the second consecutive cycle. Will it be Argentina’s day in the sun once more, or will a Columbia squad in peak form lift the trophy for the first time in decades?
8:00 p.m. ET Headliner: Argentina vs. Colombia
| Argentina Win | +120 | Colombia Win | +335 | Draw | +192 |
| Over 1.5 Goals | -175 | Under 1.5 Goals | +140 | Broadcast | TSN |
Argentina has the opportunity to do something that we don’t see often in international soccer: string together three major international trophies in a row. In fact, this feat has only been accomplished once, with the World Cup included, when Spain won EURO 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and EURO 2012.
For years, it looked like Argentina would struggle to win any trophy in the Lionel Messi era, and the lack of international success could end up being a punishing mark for him in any Greatest of All Time debates. Copa America finals losses in 2007, 2015, and 2016, along with a World Cup Final loss in 2014, certainly didn’t help with confidence. A tide had shifted in the last few years, though, and after finally breaking through in the 2021 Copa America, the Argentines reached the global mountain in the 2022 World Cup and now have found themselves back here again.
To get here, Argentina has swept the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record, but it hasn’t always been easy. None of their group-stage games were won by more than two goals, and their quarter-final matchup went to penalties, where they were able to defeat Ecuador. In the semi-finals, they faced our very own Canadian national team for the second time in the tournament, and while it wasn’t the cake-walk it would’ve been a few years ago, they pulled out a 2-0 result that had moments of discomfort, but no dire danger along the way.
On the other side, Colombia looks to win their first Copa America since 2001, where they hosted the tournament and kept the trophy in place with a 1-0 win over Mexico in the final. It’s the only time they’ve ever won the award, and that’s something they’d like to change today – and they could have a real shot at it.
Colombia is also undefeated in this tournament, though they do have a draw against Brazil to their name. While that may be a blemish, they also have more explosive blowouts, like their 3-0 win over Costa Rica in the group stage, and 5-0 rout of Panama in the quarterfinals. A zesty semi-final against Uruguay saw them without the ball for most of the second half due to a red card by Daniel Munoz, but Jefferson Lerma’s 39th-minute goal was all they needed to win.
The Colombians are on a fantastic 28-game unbeaten streak right now, and this would be the icing on the cake. Perhaps a bad omen, though? That last loss was against Argentina back in February 2022.
Game Bets To Consider
- Obviously, there will be lots of attention on Leo Messi, due to his ability, due to the gravity of the moment, and due to the fact this will likely be his last ever game in this tournament – and maybe his last in a major tournament altogether. Messi’s line for shots on target is set at 1.5 (over, +100), and his anytime goal odds are set at +182.
- On the Colombian side, James Rodriguez has been an incredible story. Seen by many as a “what if” given his immense highs as a young midfielder, the 33-year-old has been nothing short of unbelievable in this tournament and will be key to Colombia’s chances of winning. His goal odds aren’t particularly high (+490 – Colombia’s shortest are Miguel Borja and Jhon Cordoba at +345 a piece), but building on his record assist totals with one more setup might be a shrewd play at +380.
Bet on Argentina vs. Colombia
(Full Game, Including Extras/Pens)
ARG -189
COL +152
2024 Copa America Final Player Futures Odds
With the last weekend upon us and the final games speaking for themselves, let’s look at the main 2024 Copa America player futures odds. It would require an explosive third-place game or final for someone to catch up to Lautaro Martinez’s four goals in the tournament – two higher than anyone still in action. Similarly, James Rodriguez’s efforts to turn back the clock with a goal and six assists have him in prime position to take the tournament MVP.
Lionel Messi features heavily in both odds tables, though it would still take one more legacy game to get him across either finish line. Anything is possible for the greatest ever, though, so don’t rule him out!
