Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Neymar’s Brazil will face each other in the final of the Copa America football tournament to be held on Saturday at the historic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Argentina entered the final as they beat Colombia 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out in Tuesday’s semi-final. The hero of the match was Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who saved three penalties. The score was tied 1–1 after the regular 90 minutes at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia. In the seventh minute, Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina the lead, but in the second half, Luis Diaz made the score 1-1 in the 61st minute.
Lionel Messi said after the match, “Amy (Emiliano) is fantastic. We had faith in him. Our target was to play all the matches and now we will try to win the finals.” At that time too, Argentina defeated Colombia 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out after a goalless match in the semi-finals in the stipulated time.
Rodrigo de Paul failed to score for Argentina but Messi, Leandro Paredez, and Lautaro Martínez ensured their team’s victory. Only Cuadrado and Miguel Borja were able to score for Colombia.
Martinez said after the match, “It was a matter of luck, luck was with me today. Brazil’s team is great, strong contenders. But we have a great coach, the best player in the world and we will try to win.” Colombia will take on Peru in the third-place playoff on Friday.
Brazil entered the final after beating Peru 1-0 on Monday. The Brazilian team has never lost a Copa America final at home and has won five out of six matches in the current tournament as well. Martinez blocked shots from Sanchez, Yerry Mina, and Edwin Cardona in the shoot-out.
Argentina – Colombia 1-1, on penalties 3-2 (1-0)
Goals: Lautaro Martinez (7), Luis Diaz (61)
