No. 1 Argentina and No. 12 Colombia will meet in Copa América Final

The GIST: The 2024 Copa América final is set, pitting defending Copa and World Cup champs No. 1 Argentina against No. 12 Colombia, a squad that’s unbeaten in their last 28 matches. This one has epic written all over it.

• Here’s what to know before Sunday’s 8 p.m. ET kickoff.

Colombia boasts offensive firepower: Though they squeaked by No. 14 Uruguay 1–0 in Wednesday’s low-scoring (but high tension) semi, Los Cafeteros bring the juice on offense, posting a tourney-leading 12 goals in five matches.

• That goal production runs through midfielder James Rodríguez, who has a Copa-best six assists. They’ll certainly need his craftiness to overcome Argentina, who handed Colombia their last loss back in February 2022.

All eyes on Lionel Messi to lead Argentina: He missed one game due to injury, but the typically prolific Messi has just one goal in the tournament — perhaps the captain’s been saving them for when Argentina has the chance to clinch their third international title in three years?

• That said, La Albiceleste are in good hands on defense, having allowed just one goal all Copa behind World Cup hero goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez’s stellar play. Instant classic on deck.