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Copa America final in Miami: Loyal Argentina-Colombia fans wait outside hotels for a chance to see their teams

Fans line up with flags outside Le Méridien Dania Beach and The Loews Coral Gables

MIAMI – Soccer fans worldwide have their eyes on Miami ahead of the Copa América 2024 final on Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium. Still, the most loyal local fans were outside hotels in Dania Beach and Coral Gables — despite the high 106-degree peak heat index.

Colombia’s national team was at Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport, 1825 Griffin Road, and Argentina’s national team was at The Loews Coral Gables Hotel, 2950 Coconut Grove Drive. Fans started to line up with their flags outside on Friday.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi, an InterMiami star, is a local. When he first moved, he and his family were at the Porsche Tower, at 18555 Collins Ave., in Sunny Isles Beach, and later purchased a house on Compass Lane in Fort Lauderdale’s Bay Colony neighborhood.

Argentina's Lionel Messi gestures during a Copa America semifinal soccer match against Canada in East Rutherford, N.J., Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

While the verified resale tickets were mostly unaffordable for many families, and Hard Rock Stadium staff announced that “fans MUST have game tickets” to celebrate around the stadium, that was their chance to cheer for their team.

There will be several public watch parties in Miami-Dade County. Locals already have their regular choice of restaurants and bars to help cure the nostalgia of living away from their countries, but there are some big temporary events.

Fans on a budget may visit the mall in Aventura to explore the exhibits and games, later go to the Wynwood Marketplace for an official Copa America fan zone, and then head to Miami Beach where the match will be on display at an outdoor theater with a 24-foot screen in North Beach — all free of admission.

WARNING: Resale ticket selling, trading, giving away may be opportunity for criminals

Here is a list of watch parties for fans:

This courtesy photo shows the interior of the Wynwood Marketplace open space. (Courtesy photo - SWARM, Google Street View, CONMEBOL)

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About the Authors
Christian De La Rosa headshot

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.

Andrea Torres headshot

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

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