Colombian legend Adolfo José Valencia, known as Tren Valencia, believes that while Argentina may be the favourites to win the Copa America final on Sunday, Colombia has an advantage due to the aging Lionel Messi.
Tren Valencia made his comments in the lead-up to the 2024 Copa America final.
The final will take place at 9 pm on Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where Argentina will face Colombia. Excitement and anticipation are high on both sides.
Speaking ahead of the final, Tren Valencia shared his thoughts on Messi’s current form.
The former Colombian national team player believes Messi has lost two crucial attributes – speed and strength – which could tilt the balance in Colombia’s favour.
Speaking to Radio Mitre as per Ole, Tren Valencia said, “We cannot dismiss how intelligent Messi is, but he is no longer the 23-year-old. He has lost speed and strength, just like Di María. That will be the advantage we will have, the physicality.”
“A final is won when the player goes out to look for the match. The boys believe in what they can give. They know that Argentina is a great rival, but finals have to be played.
“They are two rivals who know that they cannot give an advantage. Lorenzo has managed to convince the players. That is what Colombia was missing. They look confident and happy.”
Valencia also highlighted James Rodríguez’s impressive performance in the Copa America. The former Real Madrid star has the most assists at the tournament and has won four man-of-the-match awards in five games.
“We Colombians see that, when James puts on the national team jersey, he is another player. He is a guy who wants to win the Copa America,” said Tren Valencia
Tren Valencia, originally from Buenaventura, is a notable figure in Colombian football. He played 37 times for the national team, scoring 14 goals. He was part of a prominent generation of Colombian players, including Pibe Valderrama, Freddy Rincón, and René Higuita. Valencia participated in two World Cups (1994 and 1998) and a Copa America (1993).