- Argentina face Colombia in Copa America Final
- Epic 28-match undefeated streak on the line for Colombia
- Seven wild predictions for Sunday’s Copa America finale!
The stage is set for this year’s Copa America champion to be crowned on Sunday night, when Argentina takes on Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This intriguing matchup of South American soccer powerhouses features an array of storylines that add some additional excitement to wagering on the Copa America odds.
Here is a look at some of our wildest predictions and picks for the final match of this year’s tournament.
7 Copa América Final Predictions
1. Single Game Parlay: Argentina to win, Over 2.5 goals, Lionel Messi anytime goalscorer (+500 at DraftKings)
Lionel Messi has endured a difficult tournament, with a leg injury limiting his effectiveness early in the knockout stage. But in the wake of a steady performance in Argentina’s semifinal win over Canada, Messi appears ready to take the big stage for possibly the last time at the Copa America and his performance will likely determine Argentina’s fate. Colombia is poised to once again set a speedy space and look to disrupt Venezuela’s possession game. However, that wide open style is bound to create opportunities for Argentina, who will be counting on Messi to guide an attack that has produced sporadic results so far at this tournament.
2. Lionel Messi to score 1 or more goals in each half (+2000 at FanDuel)
In addition to Sunday’s matchup at Hard Rock Stadium likely being Messi’s last appearance in the Copa America, Leo should also be fired up by the opportunity to raise the trophy in from of Miami fans that have quickly embraced him since his move to Inter Miami last year. With so much on the line for the aging superstar and with no other Albiceleste players generating consistent offence, expect Messi to put on a show with goals in each of half of Sunday night’s date with Colombia.
3. Any team to come from behind and win (+825 at BetMGM)
Sunday’s Copa America final is shaping as a clash of two teams that stack up well. The No. 1 team on the FIFA rankings, Argentina brings loads of big-game experience to this contest while a Colombia squad hungry for their first Copa America championship win since 2001 will be aiming to build on their tournament-leading goal count. As a result, no lead will be safe in this contest. Argentina has been forced to overcome deficits in two of their past three wins in which an opponent has scored and Colombia has made a happy of scoring early during their 28-match unbeaten streak. Accordingly, fans can look forward to a seesaw battle on Sunday that is unlikely to be settled warly.
4. James Rodriguez to assist 1 or more goals in each half (+9500 at FanDuel)
A strong candidate to claim Golden Ball honors at this year’s Copa America, veteran forward James Rodriguez has been the lynchpin on the Colombia attack. The Cafeteros captain has gotten in on seven of Colombia’s past 11 goals, potting one marker and racking up six assists, capped by his brilliant setup of Jefferson Lerma’s match winner in their 1-0 semifinal victory over Uruguay. With Colombia once again expected to storm, out of the gate in search of an early advantage, expect James to have an early impact and play a key role if Colombia is to embark on a second-half rally in Sunday’s date with Argentina.
5. Over 1.5 goals 00:00 – 15:00 (+1900 at BetMGM)
Colombia has made a habit of storming out of the gate and putting opponents on their heels during their epic 28-match unbeaten streak. That approach has paid dividends, with Los Cafeteros potting 13 of the 20 goals they have scored in seven matches across all competitions since the start of June coming before the break. Argentina’s strong possession game has also provided them with ample opportunity to establish early leads before and during this tournament. With the potential for both these teams to be seeking an early spark, there is lots of value in the +900 odds at BetMGM for these squads to produce Over 1.5 goals before the quarter-hour mark on Sunday.
6. Both teams to have a red card (+1240 at FanDuel)
Argentina have gained a well-earned reputation for their businesslike approach on the pitch, which focuses on dominating possession, dissecting opposing offenses and brilliant set piece execution, but are quite willing and able to engage in the rough stuff when the time is right. That time may come on Sunday against Colombia, who arrive in Miami on the heels of a wildly physical matchup with Uruguay that produced six total yellow cards and two red cards. There is no reason to expect Colombia to shy away from that physical play against Argentina and if these squads are forced to endure the subpar officiating that has often plagued this tournament, the red cards could fly.
7. James Rodriguez to score first and Colombia lose the match (+2200 at BetMGM)
Jame Rodriguez is the architect of the Colombian attack and while he has earned Golden Ball consideration on the strength of his playmaking, the Cafeteros captain also sports solid goalscoring ability that will be crucial in Sunday’s contest. With Colombia regularly opening the scoring of late, Rodriguez is a strong candidate to draw first blood. But maintaining that lead will certainly be a titanic challenge for Colombia as they seek to topple the defending champions.
Copa America Top Goalscorer Prediction
Top Goalscorer Prediction: Lautaro Martinez, Argentina (-165 at FanDuel)
Little has changed in the top goalscorer picture since the start of the knockout stage. Apart from Colombia’s 5-0 rout of Panama, seven of the eight quarterfinal teams scored one or fewer goals leaving Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez still leading the scoring race with four goals.
Martinez has taken over leadership of the Argentine offense with Lionel Messi hobbled by injury and represents the best scoring options for an Albiceleste squad that has scored just six times so far at this tournament.
The 26-year-old Inter Milan forward was held in check by Ecuador in the quarterfinals and can expect the same treatment from Canada on Tuesday night, but with no other player still active in tournament having scored more than two goals, it looks unlikely Martinez will be challenged for the scoring lead.
Copa América Golden Glove prediction
Golden Gloove prediction: Emi Martinez
This is a relatively recent addition to the Copa América, instituted in 2011. It is awarded to the tournament’s outstanding keeper. As with the other individual awards, success in the competition goes hand in hand with individual recognition.
Justo Villar was the first recipient in 2011 when he helped his Paraguay side reach the final. In the knockout stage, they faced two penalty shootouts before falling to Uruguay in the final.
Since 2011, every Golden Glove winner has also played for the winning country. Most recently, Brazil’s Alisson in 2019 and Argentina’s Martinez in 2021, and given their countries’ positions at the head of the market, both will be strong contenders in 2024.
Alisson has had an injury-curtailed season at Liverpool, but his advanced goal-keeping metrics were outstanding in 22/23, although he’s been less impressive in the current season.
Martinez is currently the holder of the World Cup Golden Glove. His side is strong defensively, and he is a penalty shootout specialist if necessary.
His advanced metrics, based on the quality of shots faced, are on par with Alisson at his best, and Martinez is in his peak years and still improving. In the Golden Glove market, he’s a safe pair of hands.
Odds to win Copa América 2024
Copa América best bets
Outright Winner
Messi looks set to sign off his run of international trophies in his current hometown with another Copa América. The best team in the world, with a benign draw, and Di Maria is also enjoying a fitting end to his international career.
Longshot Prediction
USA to make a run to the last four, as they finally get over the hump and become dangerous opponents rather than merely respected guests at the top table of international competition.
Golden Boot
Winning teams often have a clean sweep of individual awards, so Lionel Messi as he closes in on the most ever Copa América goals scored at the finals.
Golden Glove
Emi Martinez looks set to take the prize again, after winning the Copa América 2021 Golden Gloves.
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Copa América represents a substantial opportunity for the best sportsbooks in the US. They are preparing to draw your attention with some of the top sportsbook promotions slated for 2024. Given the densely packed schedule – 32 matches across 14 host cities – it’s an ideal time to place your first bet with a new sportsbook. These premier sportsbooks sweeten the deal further by offering a welcoming bonus that you can use on bets for other games or on choosing the outright winner of Copa América.
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To make sure you get the best value on soccer odds and Copa América 2024 odds make sure you check out the best soccer betting sites and read our latest Copa América 2024 picks before you place your wagers throughout Copa América 2024.
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