The stage is set for what could be Lionel Messi's international swansong, as Argentina face Colombia in Sunday's Copa America final in the forward's new home of Miami.
The Hard Rock Stadium is the venue as Messi and La Albiceleste go in search of a record-breaking 16th Copa America crown, currently level with Uruguay on 15. It would also be a second in a row after they overcame old rivals Brazil in the 2021 final.
Standing in their way, however, are arguably the most impressive team at the tournament in Colombia.
Unbeaten in 28 games – a new national record – and led by a rejuvenated James Rodriguez, who is surely the favourite for Player of the Tournament honours, Los Cafeteros downed a much-fancied Uruguay side with 10 men in the last four and are sure to present a stern test.
Ahead of the showpiece game, we dive into the best Opta data surrounding the two finalists.
What's expected?
Argentina began the tournament as favourites, being given a 30.8% chance of securing back-to-back titles for the first time since 1993 by the Opta supercomputer.
The supercomputer is still on their side ahead of the final, giving them a 50.9% chance of winning the match in 90 minutes.
Colombia are assigned a 25.4% chance of victory and a 23.6% chance of taking the game to extra time (which will take place if required after being scrapped for all other knockout matches) and potentially penalties.
Argentina have won their last two Copa America shoot-outs, against Ecuador in this year's quarter-finals and Colombia in 2021, though they have lost three of their last four finals at the competition on spot-kicks, versus Brazil in 2004 and Chile in both 2015 and 2016.
Overall, Lionel Scaloni's team are given a 63% chance of lifting the trophy to Colombia's 37%.
Colombia will be featuring in just their third Copa America final (also 1975 and 2001), becoming the fourth team to reach multiple finals at the competition this century, after Argentina (six), Brazil (four) and Chile (two).
Argentina have now reached the final at six of their last eight major tournaments (World Cups and Copa America). The only exceptions were at the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 Copa, losing to the eventual champions (France and Brazil) in both instances.
Colombia have only won one of their last 12 meetings with Argentina (five draws, six defeats) – a 2-0 group-stage win at the 2019 Copa America. The teams' last draw led to Colombia losing on penalties in the 2021 Copa quarter-finals, with Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona all unsuccessful from 12 yards.
The teams have met on 15 previous occasions in the Copa America, with Argentina recording seven wins to Colombia's three and the remaining five being drawn.
Fitting farewell for the GOAT?
Sunday's final could very well be the end of an era, with arguably the greatest footballer of all time contemplating international retirement after the match.
While there are plenty stateside who are desperate to see Messi continue his glittering Argentina career until the 2026 World Cup, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said this week he is fighting his "last battles" on the international stage.
Having led Argentina to glory at the 2021 Copa and the Qatar World Cup, Messi could go out on a high by inspiring his country to three straight major tournament successes, a feat they only previously achieved by winning three consecutive Copas in 1945, 1946 and 1947, with the World Cup not held during that time.
It took him a while, but Messi finally got up and running at this year's Copa with a goal in Tuesday's 2-0 semi-final victory over Canada, converting his 12th shot of the tournament.
He has now scored at six different editions of the Copa America, matching the record set by Zizinho all the way back in 1957. Messi has netted at the 2007, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2024 editions, only failing to get on the scoresheet in 2011.
His semi-final strike came 17 years and one day after his first Copa America goal, versus Peru in 2007. That gap is the longest between goals for a single player in the tournament's history, breaking another record previously held by Zizinho (15 years and 52 days between 1942 and 1957).
Another trophy on Sunday would enable him to end what had previously been a disappointing Argentina career with a perfect run of three tournament triumphs.
There is also the small matter of another international trophy pulling him clear of his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who led Portugal to glory at Euro 2016 and in the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League but now looks unlikely to add to that collection.
Cafeteros the Copa's best?
Argentina may have star quality unmatched by any of their South American rivals, but they were made to work for knockout successes against Ecuador and Canada. Many would argue they have not been the tournament's outstanding team.
That honour may go to Colombia, who topped Group D ahead of Brazil before dumping out Uruguay – considered second-favourites for the trophy by some – in the semi-finals.
Nestor Lorenzo's team did not even require a full complement to overcome La Celeste, standing firm after Daniel Munoz's first-half red card as Jefferson Lerma's earlier header proved decisive.
Lerma's goal was Colombia's fifth to come via a header at this tournament, the most by a team at a single edition since Argentina netted six times via that route in 1991, when they lifted the trophy.
Colombia's aerial prowess has been another string to their bow at a tournament where they have been extremely efficient in attack, scoring a competition-high 12 goals from 8.49 expected goals (xG), a tally that puts them second to Argentina (11.1). Colombia rank just sixth for touches in the penalty area (104) but third for shots from inside the box (59).
Only conceding twice, Lorenzo's side have also been solid at the back – a recipe for tournament success.
Per game, they have averaged a tournament-low 0.51 expected goals against (xGA), as well as 9.6 shots faced (the third-best figure) and 2.2 shots on target faced (second-best).
That solid backline has given James and Luis Diaz the platform from which to make things happen, with the duo ranking third and fourth, respectively, for expected assists (xA) among all players at the competition.
Miserly at the back and with two of the competition's most creative players in attack, Colombia will back themselves to spoil Messi's Miami party.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Argentina – Angel Di Maria
Di Maria made his 27th Copa America appearance in the last four, becoming Argentina's second-most capped player in the competition, behind Messi (38 matches).
The former Real Madrid wideman will play his final international match on Sunday, and he could go out with a bang, having earned a reputation as a big-game player.
Di Maria, who has 31 goals in 144 games for La Albiceleste overall, scored the winner in the 2021 Copa America final versus Brazil and also got on the scoresheet in the 2022 World Cup showpiece game against France.
Only James (17), Nicolas de la Cruz (14) and Messi (13) have bettered his nine chances created at this tournament, while he also ranks sixth for xA (1.01) and only Messi has matched his tally of four chance-creating carries.
Colombia – James Rodriguez
Colombia captain James has looked a player reborn at this tournament, recording six assists, with the most recent teeing up Lerma's semi-final winner versus Uruguay.
That meant he surpassed Messi (five in 2021) for the most assists at a single edition of the Copa America since this data began being recorded by Opta in 2011.
A remarkable 12 of his 17 chances created at this tournament have come from set-pieces, and with a cagey affair potentially in store, his dead-ball prowess could prove decisive.
Five of Colombia's 12 goals have come from corners or indirect free-kicks, with James' deliveries helping them surpass their previous best goalscoring return at a Copa America (11 in both 1975 and 2001).
Man City thinking about title would be a 'huge mistake', says Guardiola
Pep Guardiola conceded it would be a "big mistake" for Manchester City to think about retaining the Premier League title amid their four-game losing run in the competition.
City were handed their latest defeat by Liverpool on Sunday, losing 2-0 at Anfield to leave them 11 points adrift of Arne Slot's side at the summit of the standings.
The Citizens return to the Etihad on Wednesday to take on Nottingham Forest, who returned to winning ways last weekend with a narrow 1-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Guardiola's men may be in poor form, but they are unbeaten in their past eight league games against Forest, stretching back to a 3-2 loss in the second tier in December 1997.
However, when asked about his side's chances of winning a fifth consecutive Premier League crown, Guardiola remained realistic given recent results.
"After the results in the past to think about a big target would be a big mistake," Guardiola conceded.
"We need to beat a team close to us and take advantage to be closer to the top four. We are not far away from being the second team in the league, but it is all about consistency.
"Liverpool as a team have been magnificent, and you just have to fight and win games. Step by step we have to move forward again."
Despite enduring the longest winless run of his managerial career, Guardiola insisted that he was not feeling the pressure of the surrounding situation.
After winning 18 trophies across his eight full seasons as City boss, he is determined to battle on with the help of the supporters.
"The fans know what these guys have done over the last decade," he added.
"They know we need the support, the players are human beings and will try everything to change the dynamic.
"We just have to play and think about the next one. I don't know another way. I don't feel sorry for myself."
Guardiola did, however, insist that his side would be a lot higher in the table if he had a fully fit squad to choose from.
City have been without several players for much of the campaign, including long-term injury absentee Rodri, who is eyeing a return to action before the season is out.
"With all the squad this season we would be close to our level we reached last season," Guardiola said.
"In January we will talk internally as it depends on the situation we are in at that moment."
It was confirmed by Guardiola on Tuesday that John Stones would miss the visit of Nuno Espirito Santo's side, while Kevin De Bruyne is nearing full fitness.
‘Innocent until proven otherwise’: Gateway Athletics take soft stance in Director's arrest on gun-trafficking charge
Gateway Athletics International has issued a statement expressing confidence in the innocence of its managing director, Shem Alexander, who was arrested in Jamaica on allegations of gun and ammunition trafficking from the United States to Trinidad and Tobago.
Alexander, a well-known figure in Trinidad and Tobago football circles with coaching experience in the T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) for MIC Matura ReUnited, was detained on November 15 at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. His arrest followed an extradition request by United States authorities.
On November 30, the Jamaica Observer reported that Alexander appeared in a Corporate Area court, where he provided written consent to be extradited to the United States to face trial.
Gateway Athletics addressed the situation in a November 30 statement, revealing that Alexander had stepped aside from his duties to address the allegations.
"Mr Alexander has taken a voluntary leave of (absence) as the managing director at Gateway Athletics in order to focus on treating the allegations before him. Mr Alexander has maintained his innocence in all of the allegations levelled against him and is eager to fully ventilate the issue in the right forum when the time is appropriate,” the statement said.
The organization emphasized the principle of presumed innocence.
“The same natural justice that applies to all also applies to Mr Alexander, that is, the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. There is no further information we can give at this time, but we will update as necessary as information becomes available,” the statement added.
Alexander has been a significant contributor to Trinidad and Tobago's football development. He previously managed St Augustine Secondary's football program and has played a key role in shaping youth football through his leadership at Gateway Athletics.
Under his stewardship, Gateway has overseen the last three editions of the Republic Cup National Youth Football League, one of the nation's most prestigious youth tournaments.
Additionally, Gateway has facilitated showcase events through the Republic Cup, giving young footballers an opportunity to perform before college coaches and scouts from abroad with the goal of earning scholarships.
Man City thinking about the title would be a 'huge mistake', says Guardiola
Pep Guardiola conceded it would be a "big mistake" for Manchester City to think about reclaiming the Premier League title amid their six-game losing run in the league.
City were handed their latest defeat by Liverpool on Sunday, losing 2-0 at Anfield to leave them 11 points adrift of Arne Slot's side at the summit of the standings.
The Citizens return to the Etihad on Wednesday to take on Nottingham Forest, who returned to winning ways last weekend with a narrow 1-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Guardiola's men may be in poor form, but they are unbeaten in their past eight league games against Forest, stretching back to a 3-2 loss in the second tier in December 1997.
However, when asked about his side's chances of winning a fifth consecutive Premier League crown, Guardiola remained realistic given recent results.
"After the results in the past to think about a big target [winning the Premier League] would be a big mistake," Guardiola conceded.
"We need to beat a team close to us and take advantage to be closer to the top four. We are not far away from being the second team in the league, but it is all about consistency.
"Liverpool as a team have been magnificent, and you just have to fight and win games. Step by step we have to move forward again."
Despite enduring the longest winless run of his managerial career, Guardiola insisted that he was not feeling the pressure of the surrounding situation.
After winning 18 trophies across his eight full seasons as City boss, he is determined to battle on with the help of the supporters.
"The fans know what these guys have done over the last decade," he added.
"They know we need the support, the players are human beings and will try everything to change the dynamic.
"We just have to play and think about the next one [game]. I don't know another way. I don't feel sorry for myself."
Guardiola did, however, insist that his side would be a lot higher in the table if he had a fully fit squad to choose from.
City have been without several players for much of the campaign, including long-term injury absentee Rodri, who is eyeing a return to action before the season is out.
"With all the squad this season we would be close to our level we reached last season," Guardiola said.
"In January we will talk internally as it depends on the situation we are in at that moment."
It was confirmed by Guardiola on Tuesday that John Stones would miss the visit of Nuno Espirito Santo's side, while Kevin De Bruyne is nearing full fitness.
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