Lionel Scaloni's Argentina are set to face Néstor Lorenzo's Colombia in the Final of the Copa America 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in the USA on 15th July, Monday. Both sides are deservedly in the final. Argentina knocked out Canada in the semi-final to book their spot for the third straight Copa America final. At the same time, Colombia defeated one of the favourites Uruguay in the semis to reach the final. From possible starting XIs to Fantasy predictions, here is everything you need to know about the Argentina vs Colombia match in the Copa America 2024.

Read Also: Angel Di Maria's stats and records for Argentina

Match Details

• Match: Argentina vs Colombia - Copa America 2024 Final

• Date: 15/7/2024

• Time: 12:30 am (IST)

• Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, United States

How to watch the Argentina vs Colombia Copa America 2024 match?

No official streaming platform in India is telecasting the Copa America 2024 matches.

Argentina vs Colombia: Head-to-Head stats

Argentina and Colombia have faced each other 42 times. Argentina are the dominant side with 25 victories while Colombia have registered victory only on 8 occasions. The other nine matches have ended in a draw.

• Matches: 42
• Argentina won: 25
• Colombia won: 8
• Draws: 9

#Efemérides 🧐 ¡A un tres años de la vuelta en el #Maracaná!

️🏆 Con un tanto de Ángel Di María, @Argentina 🇦🇷 derrotó 1-0 a #Brasil y ganó una nueva #CopaAmérica. pic.twitter.com/o9KWD92xWC

— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 10, 2024

Read Also: 7 Most Successful International Football Teams

Team News

Argentina

Argentina doesn't have any injury concerns ahead of the final on Monday. The players have gotten proper rest and Scaloni will have everyone available against Colombia. Emiliano Martinez will be at the goal and face much more challenges than he has faced in Copa America 2024.

Lisandro Martinez, Romero, Nahuel Molina, and Tagliafico are set to start at the back for the defending champions. Rodrigo de Paul will get support in the midfield with Mac Allister creating opportunities in front of them.

#SelecciónMayor Práctica vespertina de jueves con la mira puesta en la final del domingo ante @FCFSeleccionCol 🇨🇴

¡Faltan sólo tres días! 🤞🏼#OtraVezJuntos pic.twitter.com/37U2ruXoY8

— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 12, 2024

Julian Alvarez started over Lautaro Martinez against Canada and scored a goal. Scaloni can start whoever he wants as both of them are in fine form. Angel Di Maria will probably start on the bench. It will be his last match for the national team and Scaloni will most likely bring him on in the second half.

But, he is a big game player and has always delivered for his nation so Scaloni can also give him a start over Gonzalez. Lionel Messi will start at the right and will try to score his second goal of the Copa America 2024. 

🏆 #CopaAmérica

🎶 Déjame que te lo explique, este es el verdadero desafío: nunca apuestes en contra de una araña 🤟 pic.twitter.com/OcJjBimmIF

— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 10, 2024

Colombia

Colombia reached its third Copa America final (1975, 2001), and hopes to win its second title after being crowned champion in 2001. After a dramatic semi-final against Bielsa's Uruguay, they are now set to face the favourites and the defending champions Argentina in the final.

📸 ¡𝑼́𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒂 𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒊? 😎

𝑳𝑨 𝑭𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑳, 𝒓𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒐 𝒂 𝑴𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒊 ✌️

Viajamos seguros con @assistcard#TodosSomosColombia 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/VLn3YqetRQ

— Selección Colombia (@FCFSeleccionCol) July 11, 2024

Colombia will miss Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz who was sent off against Uruguay just before the end of the first half. CONMEBOL hasn't banned any player yet so Colombia should have everyone available. Santiago Arias is set to come in for Munoz as the new right back with Sanchez, Cuesta, and Mojica being the other defenders.

Liverpool's Luis Diaz will lead the attack alongside captain James Rodriguez and Cordoba. Richard Rios is not fully fit and can be replaced by Uribe. Jefferson Lerma will take the responsibility of the midfield but he will face tough challenges against Argentina.

Possible XIs

Argentina's possible starting lineup

Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Gonzalez, Alvarez, Messi

Colombia's possible starting lineup

Vargas; S. Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; J. Arias, James, Diaz; Cordoba

Argentina vs Colombia: Fantasy XI Prediction

Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister; James Rodriguez, Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi

Two of the top Asian football powerhouses, Japan and Qatar are being considered to compete against Argentina National Football Team for the exhibition matches In India. The matches are likely to be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala.

Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman announced in a press conference on Tuesday that the world champions will grace the Indian soil in 2025. AFA representatives are set to visit Kerala within six weeks and finalize Messi and co's trip to 'God's Own Country'. 

#Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman revealed that the #Argentina football team, including legendary player #LionelMessi, will visit the state next year for an international match. 😲⚽ https://t.co/mYvR9OwP5Khttps://t.co/mYvR9OwP5K pic.twitter.com/gzeQP20eIF

— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) November 20, 2024

However, there have been no official confirmations on Argentina's potential opponents, but TOI has confirmed that AFA has asked for a list of opponents from the Kerala State Government, and AFA will choose their rivals themselves. 

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also shared a heartfelt message on Facebook:

Confirmation awaits

Argentina will face two leading Asian teams for the friendlies in Kerala next year but the opponents are yet to be disclosed. However, the venue of the match is yet to be announced as the venue will be finalized after the AFA officials visit the State within the next six months. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi is the most suitable destination with a capacity of almost 42000.

🏟️ Messi to Kerala! Argentina 🇦🇷 is set to play a friendly match in Kochi in 2025, likely against Qatar or Japan.

📢 Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman confirmed the news after talks with the Argentine FA in Spain.

💸 Hosting costs estimated at ₹100 crore, including ₹36 crore… pic.twitter.com/swvhSJAMLJ

— football news india (@fni) November 21, 2024

The dates are not announced yet as well. However, two dates during the FIFA International break window in October 2025 are the tentative fixture as of now. Further discussions between the State Government and the AFA and the official announcement is yet to happen. 

Fans hope that Lionel Messi will come to India after 14 years since he played in Argentina's friendly match against Venezuela at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. However, Messi's arrival can only be confirmed after the official announcement as the Argentine legend will definitely be the center of attraction for Indian football fans.

Read Also | Trophies won by Argentina in International Football (Men's)

Football is a sport full of drama, distress, excitement, and unforgettable moments that are cherished from generation to generation. Goals are the highlighting factor that decides the fate of a team and that is why the near-misses leave the fans in agony and sometimes change the course of football's history.

These fumbles in front of the goal are surprising and unexpected at the same moment. In this article, we delve into the most shocking misses in football history.

Erling Haaland 

(Manchester City vs Liverpool, 2022 FA Community Shield Final)

The Norwegian goal-machine emerged as an absolute cheat-code for Manchester City since his move to Man City in 2022. However, he came to England as and promising youngster but faced criticism from fans after his open goal miss in his very first match for Manchester City in the FA Community Shield Final on 30 July 2022 against Liverpool.

Phil Foden unleashed a left-footed strike in the seventh minute of injury time and it was denied by Liverpool keeper Adrian, but Erling Haaland wasted an open chance to score from the second ball as he hit the crossbar from a close range to the goal. Liverpool won the game by 3-1.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

(PSG vs Strasbourg, Ligue 1 2018-19)

The Cameroonian International featured for teams such as Bayern Munich and Paris-Saint Germain, and he was a part of the PSG squad who were runner-ups in the UCL 2019-20. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting also scored the winner in injury time against Atalanta in the quarter-final of the same UCL campaign.

😳 We're not exactly sure what Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was doing here⁉️ The @PSG_English man denied his own teammate and left the ball sitting on the goal line. pic.twitter.com/blFnaPoOQA

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) April 7, 2019

However, Choupo-Moting got down in history for a bizarre instance in a 2-2 draw against Strasbourg in Ligue 1 during his first season with the French side. Christopher Nkunku successfully chipped the opponent keeper with a shot that was about to go in, but Choupo-Moting somehow stopped the shot on the line in an attempt to tap it in, but his intervention led the threat to get cleared. 

Neal Maupay

(Brentford vs Cardiff City, EFL Championship 2017-18)

Neal Maupay, the French forward who spent most of his career in England, joined Brentford in 2017 and went on to be a headline for his incredible open-goal miss against Cardiff City in the 2017-18 EFL Championship. 

On this day in 2017... 🗓

Neal Maupay pulled off one of the WORST misses you’ll EVER see for Brentford 🤯
pic.twitter.com/xD1Pd87wPE

— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) November 18, 2022

The golden opportunity emerged as Ollie Watkins won the possession in front of the box by beating Sean Morrison in a duel and he fooled the keeper to pass it to Maupay, who only had an open goal in front of him.

However, Maupay took some time to slot it home as defender Sol Bamba ran onto the goal-line to stop the shot. Surprisingly, Maupay did not let Bamba do anything as he fired it inches off the post. Brentford eventually lost the game by 0-2.

Cristiano Ronaldo

(Manchester United vs Sheffield United, Premier League 2006-07)

Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the greatest footballer ever, also finds himself on this unfortunate list. The dreaded Portuguese netted the most goals in football history, although his unbelievable miss came in his early days at Old Trafford. Ronaldo wasted this open-scoring chance during a Premier League game against Sheffield United in 2006.

Cristiano Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/qKDPSCU4Nz

— LSPN_FC (@LSPN__FC) November 11, 2024

A sublime backheel by Wayne Rooney opened a space in front of the box for the Red Devils as Ryan Giggs intercepted the pass before cutting a grounder through Sheffield's defence. The ball comfortably found Cristiano Ronaldo but his strike flew over the crossbar from a very close distance to the goal.

Lionel Messi 

(Argentina vs Trinidad and Tobago, Friendly, 2014)

Lionel Messi, the other footballer who is arguably considered the greatest footballer of all-time, has also entered this fateful list due to his unbelievable blunder for Argentina against Trinidad and Tobago on 4 June 2014, prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 

Angel Di Maria fired into the opponent box and released a comfortable pass before the ball could cross the goal-line, but Messi failed to respond quickly as the defender cleared the ball from in front of an open goal before even Messi could intercept.

Randal Kolo Muani

(France vs Argentina, 2022 FIFA World Cup Final)

This wasted scoring opportunity changed Argentina's football history as Argentina lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup by beating France in penalties, following an unnerving 3-3 draw after extra time. 

The 120-minute Final showcased a brilliant display of football ending in a 3-3 draw between France and Argentina, before going down to penalties to decide the world champion. However, France could have snatched the World Cup if Randal Kolo Muani was not denied by Emiliano Martinez in the last minute of the game.

The last minute save by Emi Martinez from Kolo Muani's shot will go down in the history as arguably the most clutch save in a World Cup Final and a very memorable for us Messi Fans. With that save I knew Messi was going to have a date with destiny. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/BtfArjcFIs

— Messiologist 🇦🇷🇪🇸 (@breathMessi23) February 11, 2023

A lobbed pass was intercepted by Kolo Muani in front of Argentina's box as Nicolas Otamendi failed to intercept, but Kolo Muani's first-touch attempt was denied by Argentina keeper Emiliano Martine who stretched his leg to stop the shot. Only 47 seconds were left before the final whistle! This miss will remain iconic for the heroic save by Emi rather than the blunder by Kolo Muani.

Fernando Torres 

(Chelsea vs Manchester United, Premier League 2011-12)

Fernando Torres was arguably the top striker in the world in and around 2007 to 2010. Chelsea broke the British transfer record to acquire the Spaniard from Liverpool in January 2011. Somehow, 'El Nino' failed to replicate his Liverpool performance at Stamford Bridge, and his disappointing tenure with the Blues was highlighted by a moment during a match against Manchester United in September 2011.

This Torres miss vs Man United, one of the biggest misses in prem history pic.twitter.com/B52St4Z6qM

— GreatMan (@UtdGreatt) February 27, 2024

Torres already scored the only goal for his team but Chelsea was behind 3-1. In the 83rd minute, Ramires played a beautiful through that cut the United defense open in half. Torres intercepted the ball and managed to ease past David de Gea with a skillful feint, having an open goal in front of him.

However, Torres surprisingly shot the ball wide of the post and missed the golden chance which went down as one of the worst misses in the Premier League history.

Yakubu Ayegbeni

(Nigeria vs South Korea, FIFA World Cup 2010)

Nigeria faced South Korea in a do-or-die match after two consecutive defeats in the Group stage of FIFA World Cup 2010, and Yakubu Ayegbeni crashed the headlines but not quite for the right reasons.

Like Yakubu Aiyegbeni Like Yakubu Mahmoud 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️pic.twitter.com/EleHzAGR6A

— ỌjịUgo™️🍫👁️‍🗨️ (@OjiUgo_nwa) October 10, 2023

Midfielder Yusuf Ayila delivered a ball right into the six-yard box where Ayegbeni received the pass, but he missed the absolute sitter from inches close to the goal. The match eventually ended in a 2-2 draw and Nigeria finished at the bottom of the group.

Ilija Sivonjic

(Dinamo Zagreb vs Cibalia Vinkovci, HNK 2006)

Croatian footballer Ilija Sivonjic's open miss in 2006 for Dinamo Zagreb against Cibalia is widely considered one of the worst misses in football history. 

Ilija Sivonjic pic.twitter.com/kVjs9VHkzY

— Football Hub (@FootbalIhub) November 8, 2024

In the 33rd minute of the game, one of his Dinamo teammates slotted the ball on target. Although it went past the opposition keeper, it was stopped by Sivonjic who attempted a backheel to tap it in. The ball inexplicably bounced off the goal line and one of the Cibalia defenders sent it out of play. 

Ronny Rosenthal

(Liverpool vs Aston Villa, 1996)

Ronny Rosenthal started his Liverpool career very well, scoring 7 goals in his first 8 games. He even scored a hat-trick in his first game against Charlton. However, he couldn't keep up this great form later.

Ronny Rosenthal with one of the worst misses of all time vs Aston Villa, 1992. pic.twitter.com/rOf0NRFVDI

— 90s Football (@90sfootball) January 27, 2021

In 1992 during Pool's PL encounter against Aston Villa, Rosenthal wasted a golden opportunity to score. Rosenthal intercepted a long ball from David James and dribbled past the goalkeeper, but misfired his left-footed strike to hit the crossbar. This miss is still remembered as one of the worst misses in Premier League history.

Rosenthal later joked about this famous miss and said:

"Does it bother me? No it doesn't matter now. I'm glad it happened!

"I'm glad I missed because I'm still on the map [because of it]."

via Birmingham Live

Various international women's football players have cemented themselves in history books by achieving remarkable records. At the forefront is Canada's Christine Sinclair, an iconic figure in women's football

This collection of players and their impressive accomplishments underscore the development of women's football and the extraordinary talent that has emerged within the sport over the years. Let’s take a closer look at these stellar performers

Read Also: Real Madrid's Top 5 most expensive signings of all time

Babra Bander: Zambia- 7 

From the streets of Lusaka to the global stage, Barbra Banda’s journey is a testament to determination and raw talent. Born in Zambia’s capital, Banda started playing football at the tender age of seven. But her early sporting prowess wasn’t confined to just football.

Inspired by renowned Zambian boxer Catherine Phiri, Banda also dabbled in boxing at 14, quickly making a name for herself. She dominated the amateur scene, and after winning every bout and seeing other fighters hesitant to face her, Banda turned professional, where she won all five of her matches. However, football eventually took center stage in her life.

In October 2018, Banda signed with Spain's first division club, EDF Logroño, becoming the first Zambian woman to play football in Europe. Her career continued to soar when, in March 2024, she joined the Orlando Pride in the United States, signing a four-year contract that would keep her with the club until 2027.

Her impact on the international stage began early. Banda played for Zambia’s U-17 women’s team at the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, turning 14 during the tournament. Two years later, on March 6, 2016, she made her senior team debut in a Women’s Nations Cup qualifier against Namibia.

The peak of her career came at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Banda captained the Zambian national team as they made their debut appearance at the prestigious tournament. She became the first woman to score consecutive hat-tricks in Olympic history, netting three goals in a 3-10 loss to the Netherlands, she scored another three in a 4-4 draw against China. These performances also made her the first woman to score two hat-tricks in a single Olympic tournament.

Read Also: I didn't set a date or a deadline": Lionel Messi hints at retirement after hat-trick against BoliviaFIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Michelle Akers: United States of America- 7

🇺🇸 @MichelleAkers10
👕 No10 in 1999, 1995 and 1991

All-time #FIFAWWC record
Games: 13
Goals: 12 pic.twitter.com/XlnsSkLXAe

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) June 1, 2024

The name Michelle Akers is synonymous with U.S. women’s soccer dominance. With seven career hat-tricks, Akers helped the U.S. win the inaugural 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup, leading the tournament with 10 goals, including five in a single game.

Her leading the team was crucial to the U.S. women's team securing its first-ever world title, and she later played a vital role in the 1999 World Cup and 1996 Olympics victories. 

Akers was also the lead scorer in the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup in China in 1991. The U.S. women's team defeated Norway 2–1 in the final with Akers scoring both goals.

Ali Al-Biski: Libya - 7

Ali Al-Biski, a former Libyan footballer, played as a striker and holds the record as Libya's all-time top scorer despite the nation’s limited participation in FIFA events during his time. He led the Libyan Premier League in scoring twice—first in 1965 with Al-Madina SC, and again in 1968 with Al Ahli Tripoli. He recorded seven hat-tricks for the national team.

Pelé: Brazil - 7

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously known as Pelé, was a Brazilian forward and a football icon, widely hailed as one of the greatest players in history. With a Guinness World Record for 1,279 goals in 1,363 games (including friendlies), Pelé was named Athlete of the Century by the IOC in 1999 and featured in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of the 20th century. He debuted for Santos at 15 and for Brazil at 16, winning three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and scoring seven hat-tricks for Brazil.

Sándor Kocsis: Hungary - 7

Sándor Kocsis, a Hungarian striker, played for Ferencvárosi TC, Budapest Honvéd, Young Fellows Zürich, and FC Barcelona. After relocating to Spain post-1956 Hungarian Revolution, Kocsis joined Barcelona’s squad. He led the 1954 World Cup with a record 11 goals, scoring 23 times for Hungary that year—a single-year record. Kocsis was also the first player to achieve two hat-tricks in a World Cup.

Cristiane: Brazil- 8

Brazilian forward Cristiane stands alongside the greats, boasting eight hat-tricks throughout her career. A prolific goal scorer, she played a key role in Brazil's silver medal triumphs at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Cristiane has participated in five FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympics, with her most recent hat-trick coming in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Jamaica at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ali Daei: Iran - 8

Iranian striker and former national team captain, Ali Daei, was renowned as the world’s top scorer in official internationals per the IFFHS, netting 20 goals in 1996. During the 1998 World Cup qualifiers, he scored nine goals over 17 matches, amassing 38 goals in 52 appearances by that time. In 2004, he became the first male to score 100 international goals, reaching 102 with a four-goal game against Laos.

Gerd Müller: Germany - 8

Gerd Müller, a prolific German striker known for his precision in the penalty area, is considered one of football’s top scorers. With West Germany, he scored 68 goals in 62 games. For Bayern Munich, he scored 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga matches and 65 goals in 74 European games, holding a league scoring record. Müller’s eight hat-tricks include two in the 1970 World Cup.

Poul Nielsen: Denmark - 8

Danish striker Poul Nielsen scored 52 goals in 38 games, sharing Denmark’s top-scoring record. He earned a silver medal at the 1912 Olympics and led Kjøbenhavns Boldklub (KB) to six Danish championships. Scoring eight hat-tricks in international play, Nielsen was an iconic figure for Denmark until his death in 1962.

Abby Wambach: United States of America- 8

Mary Abigail Wambach, born on June 2, 1980, is a retired American soccer player, coach, and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. A six-time recipient of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, Wambach was a key player for the U.S. women’s national team from 2003 to 2015.

She earned her first international cap in 2001 and, as a forward, became the highest all-time goal scorer for the U.S. national team. Globally, she ranks second in international goals for both men and women with 184 goals, trailing only Canada's Christine Sinclair.

Wambach competed in four FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments: the 2003 edition in the U.S., the 2007 event in China, the 2011 tournament in Germany, and the 2015 competition in Canada. She also represented the U.S. in the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympics.

Throughout these five major international tournaments, Wambach played 30 matches and netted 22 goals. She helped her team secure two Olympic gold medals, third-place finishes twice at the Women's World Cup, a second-place finish in 2011, and ultimately, a World Cup victory in 2015.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Carli Lloyd: United States of America- 9

Carli Lloyd is another legend of international football, having represented the U.S. from 2012 to 2021. Over her remarkable career, she earned two Olympic gold medals (in 2008 and 2012) and won two FIFA Women's World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. In addition, she was named FIFA Player of the Year twice, in 2015 and 2016, and competed in four Olympic Games (2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021).

Lloyd’s capacity for rising to the occasion was evident when she scored the decisive goals in the gold medal matches of both the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. She was also instrumental in the U.S. clinching World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, she also secured a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics. She played in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the US finished as runners-up.

Ali Mabkhout: UAE - 9

Ali Mabkhout, a forward for Al Nasr and the UAE national team, debuted with Al Jazira in 2009. A pivotal figure in UAE’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal win over Australia, he became UAE’s top scorer on October 10, 2019, with a hat-trick against Indonesia in a 5-0 victory.

Sven Rydell: Sweden- 9

Swedish striker Sven Rydell scored 49 goals in 43 matches, a record that stood for over 80 years until broken by Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2014. Rydell’s international career included a bronze medal at the 1924 Olympics, and he holds the Swedish record of nine international hat-tricks.

Vivian Woodward: England - 10

Vivian Woodward, an English forward, starred from the early 1900s to World War I, playing for Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. As Great Britain’s captain, he won gold at the 1908 and 1912 Olympics, recording six hat-tricks for England amateurs and four for England’s national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal- 10

At the age of 18, Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal as a substitute against Kazakhstan on 20 August 2003. At UEFA Euro 2004, he scored his first international goal in a 2–1 group stage loss to Greece in his eighth international appearance.

In 2016, Ronaldo led Portugal to their first-ever trophy at the UEFA Euro 2016, although he was subbed off in the 25th minute in the final against hosts France.He received the Silver Boot as the second-highest goalscorer.

In the 2018 World Cup, Ronaldo became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match, in a 3–3 draw against Spain Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male player to score 10 hat-tricks for a national team on 12 October 2021 in Portugal's 5–0 win against Luxembourg, breaking Sven Rydell's record.

Lionel Messi:Argentina -10

Lionel Messi debuted for Argentina’s U20 team in 2004 and won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. His senior debut came in 2005 at 18. In 2021, he ended Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought with a Copa América win. On October 15, 2024, Messi scored his 10th international hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Bolivia.

Christine Sinclair: Canada- 11

Christine Margaret Sinclair is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a forward for the Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). From 2000 until her international retirement in 2023, she was a key member of the Canadian national team. 

Sinclair is an Olympic gold medalist, two-time Olympic bronze medalist, CONCACAF champion, and has won the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award 14 times. She holds the world record for the most international goals scored by any player, male or female, with 190 goals and is among the most-capped players in international soccer, with 331 appearances.

In a career spanning more than two decades with the senior national team, Sinclair has competed in six FIFA Women's World Cups and four Olympic Football Tournaments, leading her team to bronze medals in 2012 and 2016, and to gold in 2020.

She is one of only three players to score in five different World Cup tournaments, alongside Marta and Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2022, Sinclair was honored with the Best FIFA Special Award for her achievement as the world’s top goal scorer.

Notably, Sinclair scored her eleventh international hat-trick during a 2012 Olympic match against the United States, netting all three of Canada’s goals in a 3–4 loss.

Read Also: Most valuable Spanish players in history: Yamal goes past Rodri

Alex Morgan: United States of America- 12 

Alexandra Patricia Morgan, born on July 2, 1989, is a retired American professional soccer player who last played as a striker for San Diego Wave FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), where she served as captain, as well as for the United States national team. She co-captained the U.S. national team with Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe from 2018 to 2020, and later with Lindsay Horan in 2023.

Morgan was the first overall pick in the 2011 WPS Draft by the Western New York Flash, where she made her professional debut and contributed to the team's league championship win. At 22, she was the youngest player on the U.S. national team at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the team finished as runner-up.

During the 2012 London Olympics, Morgan scored the decisive goal in the 123rd minute of the semi-final against Canada. She ended 2012 with 28 goals and 21 assists, becoming the second American woman, after Mia Hamm, to record 20 goals and 20 assists in a single year. This achievement made her the sixth and youngest U.S. player to reach 20 goals in one season. Morgan was named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year and became a FIFA World Player of the Year finalist.

She played a crucial role in the U.S. team's victories at the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cups, earning a spot on the Dream Team in both tournaments and winning the Silver Boot in 2019. Morgan recorded her eleventh international hat-trick with five goals on 11 June 2019 in the United States 13–0 victory over Thailand in the 2019 World

Her record-breaking twelfth international hat-trick came in 2021 against Paraguay in a game where the United States dominated and won 8-0

From 1990 to 2000, we've seen the rise of great footballers whose talents have captured the hearts of fans, and dominated leagues across the globe. Each birth year from this era produced footballers who impacted the sport through skill, consistency, leadership, or an uncanny ability to deliver in crucial moments.

This breakdown spotlights the best footballers born in each year from 1990 to 2002—those who not only excelled individually but often led their teams to unprecedented success. Let's dive right in.

Read Also| Lamine Yamal becomes the youngest player to make 50 LaLiga appearances

Toni Kroos- 1990

Arguably one of the best central midfielders to play the beautiful game. Born on January 4, 1990, in Greifswald, East Germany, Kroos honed his technical skills early, growing up in a family steeped in athleticism—his father, Roland, was a professional football coach.

Kroos began his professional journey at Bayern Munich, joining their youth ranks in 2006 and making his Bundesliga debut at 17. Although he showed flashes of brilliance, the crowded Bayern midfield prompted a loan move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2009.

At Leverkusen, he refined his game, and when he returned to Bayern in 2010, he established himself as a key member of the squad. 

Over the next four years, Kroos became integral to Bayern's dominance, which culminated in the historic 2013 treble under Jupp Heynckes.In 2014, following Germany’s World Cup victory where he shone as one of the tournament's best footballers, Kroos transferred to Real Madrid for €25 million.

At Real Madrid, he quickly became an essential component of the midfield trio alongside Luka Modrić and Casemiro. Together, they formed one of the most successful midfield units in recent football history, helping Real Madrid win three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018.

With a playing style defined by his extraordinary vision, passing precision, and composure under pressure, Kroos has achieved a remarkable career, setting a benchmark for modern midfield play.

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Kevin De Bruyne- 1991

Kevin De Bruyne is regarded as one of the world’s most complete midfielders, he combines creative vision with technical precision and physical endurance to impact every aspect of the game.

The player was born on June 28, 1991, in Drongen, Belgium. De Bruyne’s professional career began at Genk, where he won the Belgian Pro League title in 2011. His standout performances attracted the attention of Chelsea, which he joined in 2012.

However, limited opportunities and loan spells to Werder Bremen ultimately resulted in his move to Wolfsburg in 2014. At Wolfsburg, De Bruyne flourished, leading the Bundesliga in assists and winning the German Footballer of the Year award in 2015, this convinced Manchester City to invest a then-club record of £55 million in him later that year.

He has gone on to win 6 Premier League titles and 1 Champions League title amongst other trophies at Manchester City. His crossing and passing range allow him to consistently unlock defenses, while his powerful and precise shot makes him a goal-scoring threat from any distance.

Statistically, he has consistently ranked among the top footballers in assists across Europe, having twice equaled the Premier League single-season assist record of 20, matching Thierry Henry’s record.

Kevin De Bruyne’s legacy is one of technical mastery and midfield brilliance. The Belgian International will get into the Premier League Hall of Fame once he retires from football.

Neymar- 1992

Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, known simply as Neymar, is one of the most skillful footballers of the 21st century. Born on February 5, 1992, in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, Neymar has built a career defined by his creativity and flair he can easily be described as an entertainer with the ball.

Neymar’s rise to fame began in the youth ranks of Santos FC, where he quickly established himself as a generational talent. In 2010, at just 18, he won the Campeonato Paulista and the Copa do Brasil, and a year later led Santos to their first Copa Libertadores title since 1963.

At Barcelona, Neymar became part of the famed "MSN" trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. His time in La Liga saw him win the treble in 2015 (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League). During his four seasons with the club, Neymar consistently ranked among the top scorers and assist leaders.

Neymar has been crucial in Brazil’s pursuit of international glory, leading them to victory in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and earning a historic Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Harry Kane- 1993

Harry Kane, one of the Premier League’s most prolific scorers of all time, has consistently shattered records since his debut for Tottenham Hotspur. With a remarkable ability to score from almost any position, Kane became Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing the long-standing record held by Jimmy Greaves.

Known for his clinical finishing, sharp positioning, and impressive footwork, Kane's prowess is reflected in his multiple Golden Boots, awarded to the league's top scorer. His tally of over 200 Premier League goals places him among an elite group, with only Alan Shearer ahead of him on the all-time scoring list.

He eventually left Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern in the summer of 2023 in the hopes of winning silverware.

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Bernado Silva- 1994

Bernardo Silva, a dynamic and versatile midfielder for Manchester City, has been pivotal to the club’s recent success in the Premier League and beyond. Since joining City from AS Monaco in 2017.

His sharp dribbling, relentless work rate and creativity have made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of Pep Guardiola’s system. Silva has won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups. 

The Portuguese also played a key role in City’s historic treble-winning season in 2023, which included the club’s first UEFA Champions League victory.

His technical skill allows him to excel in various midfield roles and even on the wings. Known for his intricate passing and vision, he consistently helped him to contribute to both goals and assist for City.

Joshua Kimmich- 1995 

Born on February 8, 1995, in Rottweil, Germany, Kimmich began his footballing journey in the youth ranks of VfB Stuttgart before making his professional debut in 2013. His exceptional performances quickly caught the attention of Bayern Munich, who signed him in 2015.

Initially starting his career as a right-back, Kimmich showcased remarkable adaptability, eventually transitioning into a central midfield role where he has flourished.

Significant accomplishments during his tenure at Bayern Munich include several Bundesliga crowns, DFB-Pokal medals, and a 2020 UEFA Champions League triumph.

Kimmich's remarkable passing range, vision, and hard ethic define his style of play. He can join the attack and frequently dictates play from deep positions due to his deep understanding of the game. 

He was a member of the team that advanced to the UEFA European Championship semifinals in 2016 and the FIFA Confederations Cup semifinals in 2017, when Germany won.

Rodri- 1996

Rodrigo Hernández Cascante has rapidly established himself as one of the premier defensive midfielders in modern football. Born on June 22, 1996, in Madrid, Spain, Rodri's footballing journey began in the youth system of Rayo Vallecano before he joined Atlético Madrid’s academy.

Rodri made his professional debut for Atlético Madrid in 2015 and quickly showcased his immense potential, earning a reputation for his tactical awareness, and physicality, he joined Villarreal CF, where he further developed his game, becoming a key figure in the midfield and attracting attention from major clubs across Europe.

His standout performances at Villarreal ultimately led to his transfer to Manchester City in 2019 for a reported fee of €70 million, making him one of the most expensive midfielders in history.

Rodri's performances in the 2022–2023 season increased to unprecedented levels, and he played a significant role in Manchester City's historic treble-winning campaign. His game-winning goal against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final remains memorable for City fans.

He won Player of the Tournament at the Euros 2024 and helped Spain win the competition their first since 2012.  Rodri recently received the coveted Ballon d'Or in recognition of his achievements.

Lautaro Martinez- 1997 

Martínez's footballing journey began in the youth ranks of local club Liniers before moving to the youth academy of Racing Club. He made his professional debut for Racing in 2015, quickly gaining attention for his dynamic play and ability to score goals.

Martínez's breakout season came in 2017 when he helped Racing Club secure the Copa de la Superliga. His performances in Argentina did not go unnoticed, leading to a transfer to Inter Milan in 2018 for a reported fee of €22 million.

he became a pivotal figure in the club's attacking setup, forming a formidable partnership with Romelu Lukaku during the 2020-2021 season, which saw the team claim the Serie A title, ending Juventus's nine-year reign as champions.

Kylian Mbappe- 1998

known for his blistering pace, technical skill, and clinical finishing. Mbappe was born on December 20, 1998, in Bondy, France, Mbappé's footballing journey began at a young age, influenced by his father, a football coach, and his mother, who was a former professional handball player.

He joined AS Bondy’s youth team before moving to Clairefontaine, France's national football academy, Mbappé made his professional debut for AS Monaco in 2015 at just 16 years old, quickly capturing attention with his extraordinary talent.

During the 2016-2017 season, he played a crucial role in helping Monaco secure the Ligue 1 title, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists. his performances secured a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017. Initially joining on loan, his transfer became permanent the following year for a reported fee of €180 million.

Over the years, he consistently ranked among the top goal scorers in Ligue 1, winning multiple league titles and domestic cups. 

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in leading France to victory. At just 19 years old, he became the youngest French player to score in a World Cup and was instrumental in the final against Croatia, scoring one goal and providing an assist. His performances earned him the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player.

Darwin Nunez- 1999

Núñez, who was born in Artigas, Uruguay, on June 24, 1999, came from a poor upbringing and showed an early love for football. He started in the youth division of La Luz, his local club, before transferring to Penarol's youth system to further his development. 

When Núñez made his professional debut with Penarol in 2017, scouts were immediately drawn to him because of his strong build, quickness, and ability to score goals. In 2019, he moved to the Spanish team Almería as a result of his performances in the Uruguayan Primera División.

Several European clubs were interested in him because of his outstanding play in Spain, which finally resulted in a 2020 transfer to Benfica. He leaped in the 2021–2022 season, finishing as the Primeira Liga's top scorer with 26 goals and winning the Player of the Year title.

For an estimated €100 million, Núñez made a high-profile move to Liverpool FC in June 2022, becoming one of the most costly acquisitions in the team's history.

Núñez's intensity, quickness, and remarkable movement off the ball define his style of play. He has an excellent sense of direction and frequently finds himself in advantageous locations to take advantage of possibilities.

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Erling Haaland- 2000

Erling Haaland has rapidly ascended to become one of the most formidable strikers in world football, known for his extraordinary goal-scoring ability, physical presence, and speed. 

Born on July 21, 2000, in Leeds, England, Haaland comes from a sporting family; his father, Alf-Inge Håland, was a professional footballer, and his mother, Gry Marita Braut, was a former heptathlete. 

Haaland began his career at Bryne FK, where he made his professional debut in 2016. His exceptional performances in the Norwegian top division caught the attention of European clubs, leading to a move to Molde FK.

In January 2019, Haaland joined Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg. His time in Salzburg proved to be a breakout period, as he gained international recognition for his goal-scoring prowess in both domestic and European competitions. In the 2019-2020 UEFA Champions League, Haaland became the youngest player to score 10 goals in the tournament, displaying his ability to perform on the biggest stages.

The Norwegian striker's impressive performances in Austria led to a transfer to Borussia Dortmund in December 2019, where he continued to flourish. 

At Dortmund, Haaland quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most lethal strikers, finishing as the Bundesliga’s top scorer in multiple seasons and regularly finding the net in the Champions League

Haaland completed a much-anticipated move to Manchester City in the summer of 2022, joining the Premier League winners for an estimated €60 million. In his first season, Haaland shattered several records with his amazing speed and finishing prowess.

He became the fastest player in Premier League history to score 20 goals and he broke the record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League campaign (36 goals). He became one of the footballers to reach 100 goals for a Premier League team.

With Ruben Amorim set to take charge of the managerial duties at Manchester United, questions loom over the future of Erik ten Hag’s former Ajax players, who were central to his vision for rebuilding the club. Players like Antony and Lisandro Martínez, have been vital in implementing Ten Hag’s style.

Yet Amorim’s distinct tactical approach may require new adjustments. As United fans anticipate a new era under Amorim, the fate of these Ajax alumni remains uncertain. Will they adapt to Amorim’s philosophy, or could they find themselves on the edge of his plans?

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Amorim's Tactical Shift

One of the main criticisms of Manchester United during Erik Ten Hag's tenure was the absence of a clear, consistent playing style. His approach often appeared experimental, with tactics that changed weekly, making it hard for players to find rhythm and adapt to a cohesive system. 

This lack of continuity hurt United’s ability to produce positive results, draining player confidence and leaving fans dissatisfied.

Despite being only 39, Ruben Amorim has already built an impressive managerial record, making him a promising candidate for United’s revival. The Portuguese coach took charge of Sporting CP in 2020 then they were in a far more challenging situation than United’s current state.

At the time, the club faced unrest among fans and had recently lost key, experienced players, including Wendel and Marcos Acuña. 

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Amorim’s path to success was evident in his recruitment strategy, he targeted players who perfectly matched his philosophy. prioritizing energetic full-backs and technically skilled midfielders, bringing in talents like Matheus Nunes and Palhinha, both of whom later earned moves to the Premier League.

His 3-4-3 formation, built on high intensity and relentless pressing, proved highly effective. This approach led Sporting CP to two Primeira Liga titles, including their first league victory in 19 years, in the 2020/2021 season along with a consecutive League Cup win.

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The Future of Ajax Alumni at United

Every new manager likes to give the benefit of the doubt to the players at the club before he identifies those that will form part of his projects and others that will be deemed surplus to requirement.

Amorim’s pressing game and mid-block defensive approach are designed to control the central areas and push opponents to the flanks, making his style highly structured but adaptable to attacking scenarios.

For Manchester United players like Lisandro Martínez and Antony, adapting to Amorim's system is possible. Martínez is skilled at ball progression and comfortable in wide spaces, he can be effective as a left center-back, utilizing his vision and passing to support wingbacks.

However, Antony may need to refine his defensive contribution and positioning to excel within Amorim’s high-press and counter-press framework. Both players will need some adaptation to fulfill their roles optimally in his structured system.

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Integrating Martínez and Antony into Amorim's system would require them to meet his demands for high-intensity and strict positional discipline. If they adapt well, Amorim is likely to keep them through the season. However, given every manager's preference for players fully aligned with their philosophy, their long-term future with United remains uncertain.