MIAMI – In a clash of interests, between athleticism and entertainment, Colombia’s national head coach said he was worried that the 25-minute half-time-show with Shakira could hurt players during the Copa America final.
Nestor Lorenzo, who is from Argentina, has coached the Colombian players through a record 28 games undefeated. He aimed for a historic 29th victory Sunday night at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
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Half-time was 15 minutes for the other Copa America games, and when teams violated the time rule there was a $15,000 fine. Lorenzo was not celebrating the additional 10 minutes away from the field.
“I can’t understand it, I wish it were like the rest,” Lorenzo said during a news conference. “When we came out in the 16th minute we were sanctioned, but now that there is a show we can come out in the 20th-minute mark. Players can get cold.”
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Meanwhile, fans at outdoor parties faced a heat advisory until 6 p.m., in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, as the heat index was in the 100s.
Lorenzo did ask organizers to cut Shakira’s time short, but he faced stern opposition.
“I found out today that this is how it is,” he said, “And, that’s it!”
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Alejandro Domínguez, president of CONMEBOL Copa América released a statement saying Shakira is an extraordinary star who has dazzled the world.
“We are sure that her performance at the CONMEBOL Copa América USA 2024 will enhance the message of healthy passion and unity through sport,” Domínguez said.
Lorenzo praised Shakira’s music and James Rodriguez, who helped his team score six times and scored once during the tournament. The team wants to make history with Colombia’s second Copa America. The first was in 2001.
Colombian fans met outside Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport, 1825 Griffin Road, to cheer on their team.
Argentina is one win away from the 16th Copa America victory. Leo Messi is a local, but the rest of the team was at The Loews Coral Gables Hotel, 2950 Coconut Grove Drive. The local fans’ party was at Manolo, 7300 Collins Avenue, in Miami Beach.
There are countless watch parties, but these are the cool spots: There is a free indoor airconditioned fan zone at the mall in Aventura, a free shaded fan zone at the Wynwood Marketplace, and an outdoor theater watch party that doesn’t require an admission ticket in Miami Beach.
Here is a list of watch parties for fans:
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