Argentina eye first points as they take on Colombia in their 2019 Copa America opener
Kick-off : 7:00 PM (Local)
Venue : Fonte Nova Arena, Salvador
Argentina will be having some pressure to go on and win this tournament after their recent run of losses in the finals of major tournaments. Lionel Messi is another factor they will look nothing short of a tournament win.
La Albiceleste were in prime form in recent friendly against Central Americans Nicaragua as Messi netted twice. So they must have got the practice and should now look forward to playing the likes of Colombia, Qatar and Paraguay in a tricky group.
Their first game is against rivals Colombia and it should be a tough one as Colombia are a quality side but Argentina have a different mindset in this tournament and I think it should help. Three points is what they will be after.
On the other hand, Colombia too are contesting for the Copa America title and will look to play quality football as they come across their rivals in South America also one game against Asian Champions Qatar.
Los Cafeteros are a good side which is proven by their recent wins over Panama and Peru in international friendlies. But that’s a past plus now they stare at a massive tournament in which results will be historical and make and break their careers. So they will be serious.
Messi and Argentina will be a challenge and Colombia will give their all to get the the result they want. They need to up their game.
Argentina have a good record against Colombia and they will look to continue the good work.
Team news and possible line-ups
Mateus Uribe is available for Colombia for the Argentina game and will likely play.
As for La Albiceleste, Lautaro Martinez is available and might play.
Colombia XI : Ospina, Arias, Sanchez, Mina, Tesillo, Cuadrado, Barrios, Uribe, Rodriguez, Falcao, Muriel.
Argentina XI : Armani, Saravia, Otamendi, Pezzella, Acuna, Rodriguez, Paredes, Lo Celso, Messi, Pereyra, Agüero.
Prediction
I expect an Argentine win here. Them to win with Messi scoring 3-1.
