Argentina vs Colombia- 5 key battles | Copa America 2021 semi-final

Argentina v Ecuador: Quarterfinal - Copa America Brazil 2021
Argentina v Ecuador: Quarterfinal - Copa America Brazil 2021

#3 Wilmar Barrios (Colombia) vs Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina)

Wilmar Barrios in action for Colombia
Wilmar Barrios in action for Colombia

Rodrigo De Paul's club future will soon be resolved, with the midfielder closing in on a move to Atletico Madrid.

The 27-year old scored his first-ever international goal against Ecuador in the Copa America 2021 quarter-finals and will be brimming with confidence. De Paul was Udinese's star player last season, with his creativity and dribbling from midfield often proving to be the difference for the Italian outfit.

He will come up against a quality defensive midfielder in Wilmar Barrios. The Zenit Saint Petersburg man has been in the Copa America 2021 first XI for his nation, and will be tasked with shielding the defence. Barrios is well known for his tackling and could prove to be crucial in the center of the park.


#2 Yerry Mina (Colombia) vs Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)

Yerry Mina (left) in action for Colombia
Yerry Mina (left) in action for Colombia

Yerry Mina's club career makes for an interesting read. The centre-back initially spent time in Brazil with Palmeiras before joining Barcelona in 2018. Six months later, Mina moved to Everton in a big-money transfer.

The 26-year-old has done fairly well at Everton and has been a consistent starter for Colombia at the Copa America 2021. Mina will most likely face Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, who has endured a mixed Copa America 2021 tournament so far.

Martinez, regarded as one of the best young forwards in world football, is competing with Barcelona's Sergio Aguero for the no. 9 spot. The Inter Milan striker is an extremely gifted footballer who enjoyed a good 2020/21 club season. He will have to be at his very best against a Colombian defence which consists of Mina and Tottenham Hotspur's Davinson Sanchez.


#1 William Tesillo (Colombia) vs Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi celebrates with Lautaro Martinez
Lionel Messi celebrates with Lautaro Martinez

One of the greatest footballers to have graced the beautiful game, Lionel Messi is enjoying a sensational Copa America 2021 campaign.

The Barcelona star has four goals and four assists in the tournament so far, and has once again been at his brilliant best. Messi seems incredibly focussed on winning a trophy with Argentina, and the Copa America 2021 offers a good chance for him to finally do so.

Messi is likely to come up against William Tesillo, an experienced campaigner. The 31-year old currently plays for Mexican side Leon, and has 19 caps for the Colombian national team. Tesillo has been the preferred left-back for Colombia at the Copa America 2021, but Lionel Messi brings with him a different level of ability altogether. The Colombian defence could be in for a long night if Messi continues his incredible form.


Also Read: Argentina vs Colombia prediction, preview, team news and more | Copa America 2021 semifinal

Quick Links

Edited by Anantaajith Raghuraman
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications