Is Lionel Messi playing vs. Colombia in Copa America final today? Schedule, kickoff time for Argentina star

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Lionel Messi
(Conmebol)

Lionel Messi is leading Argentina at Copa America 2024, as they aim for another continental triumph.

La Albiceleste announced their squad for the tournament ahead of their warm-up friendlies in June, with Messi predictably the star name.

In the last edition of this tournament, Messi won his first major international trophy with his country, as Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in the final.

Despite recent hamstring issues, Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, is determined to continue delivering for his country.

This is Messi’s seventh appearance in the Copa America. He started the tournament just five goals away from becoming the top scorer in the tournament's history, a record currently held by Norberto Mendez and Zizinho with 17 goals each.

Here's all the details on Messi's next match, and when you can see him in action at Copa America 2024.

FOLLOW LIVE: Argentina vs. Colombia in Copa America final 

Is Lionel Messi playing today vs. Colombia in Copa America final?

There have been fitness concerns around Messi at this tournament.

He did not start in the final Group A match with Peru, after being ruled out with an injury. The Inter Miami star suffered a "problem" in the group-stage match against Chile on June 25 at MetLife Stadium.

Messi required treatment on the sidelines during the match for a right thigh issue caused by a heavy challenge

It was clear for some time that Messi was struggling, although it was eventually determined that he could continue. He played the full 90 minutes, but with Argentina winning 1-0 to qualify already for the quarterfinals, it was confirmed he would not play in the final group match. 

Surprisingly, he was still named on the substitutes' bench for the clash, which suggests he was closer to fitness than might have been presumed, and his status for the Ecuador match was confirmed when he named in the starting lineup for the quarterfinal.

Thankfully, he seems to have recovered from his injury, as he has been named again in the starting lineup for the final with Colombia. 

Argentina Copa America 2024 group

As the reigning champions, Argentina were seeded for the draw and automatically placed into Group A.

The holders received a favorable draw, which allowed them to comfortably advance to the knockout stage with a game to spare.

From Pot 2, Argentina drew Peru. From Pot 3, they drew a relatively weak Chile side. Finally, from Pot 4, they drew Canada, the playoff winner.

MORE: Argentina squad for Copa America 2024

Group A

Argentina
Peru
Chile
Canada

MORE: How many Copa America titles have Argentina won?

Argentina Copa America 2024 match schedule and results

Argentina kicked off the 2024 Copa America in Atlanta with a win against Canada, who secured their spot by defeating Trinidad and Tobago in a playoff match in March.

Next, Argentina headed to the New York metro area to face Chile, where Lautaro Martinez came off the bench yet again to score his second goal of the tournament in a 1-0 win.

They concluded the group stage in Miami against Peru, where they enjoyed significant support.

Next up they faced Ecuador in the quarterfinals, winning 1-0 and then overcame Canada 2-0 in the semifinals.

They now face Colombia in the final in Miami on July 14.

FixtureDateVenue
Argentina 2-0 CanadaJune 20, 2024Atlanta, GA (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Chile 0-1 ArgentinaJune 25, 2024East Rutherford, NJ (MetLife Stadium)
Argentina 2-0 PeruJune 29, 2024Miami, FL (Hard Rock Stadium)
Argentina 1-1 Ecuador (4-2 pens)July 4, 2024Houston, TX (NRG Stadium)
Argentina 2-0 CanadaJuly 10, 2024East Rutherford, NJ (MetLife Stadium)

MORE: Lionel Messi record and goals at Copa America

How to watch Lionel Messi and Argentina at Copa America 2024

Here's how to watch Messi in this Copa America 2024 match across selected areas of the world's major regions:

 TV ChannelStreaming
USAFS1, TUDN USA, UnivsionFubo, Univision NOW, ViX, Fox Sports app/website
CanadaTSN, RDSTSN+, RDS app
UKPremier Sports Player
AustraliaOptus Sport
India

USA: Copa America 2024 matches will be broadcast on Fox Sports and Fox Sports 1, with streaming options available on Fubo where new users can sign up to a FREE trial.

Spanish language options can be found on TUDN, Univision and ViX.

Canada: TSN and RDS are showing Copa America matches, with selected games on CTV. 

Australia: Fans in Australia can follow all the Copa America 2024 action live and on demand on Optus Sport.

UK: Streaming access for the Copa America 2024 is available on Premier Sports.

India: Fans in India are not able to watch Messi on local broadcasts.

If Copa America 2024 is not available to watch live in your location or if you're traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favourite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.

WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)

Author(s)
Vishal Bhawani Photo

Vishal Bhawani is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.