Colombia Coach Criticizes Decision for Shakira Halftime Show at Copa Final

Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo has expressed strong discontent about the extended halftime planned for Sunday night’s Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia. The halftime extension is intended to accommodate a concert performance by Shakira.

Shakira, a renowned Colombian pop star and former partner of Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique, is set to become the first musical act to perform during the halftime of the Copa America final. Shakira’s impressive resume includes performances at three World Cups and the 2020 Super Bowl.

The halftime, typically 15 minutes long, will be extended to 25 minutes to make room for Shakira’s performance and the additional time required to set up and clear the field for the second half. This deviation from the norm has sparked criticism from Nestor Lorenzo.

“I think it should be like any game,” Lorenzo stated through an interpreter on Saturday. “It should be the 15 minutes according to the regulations.”

Nestor Lorenzo isn’t happy with halftime being extended during the Copa America final

Shakira will perform after the first half, with players having to wait 25 minutes to play again

Lorenzo pointed to precedents earlier in the tournament where several teams and coaches faced sanctions for not returning to the field on time after halftime. Coaches like Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni and Chile’s Ricardo Gareca were among those penalized.

For instance, Scaloni was suspended for Argentina’s last group match against Peru and was barred from participating in the post-match news conference due to delayed return to the field after halftime.

“When we came out in the 16th minute they sanctioned us,” Lorenzo stated. “So now it turns out that there is a show and we have to come out in the 20th or 25th minute.”

Lionel Messi will look to lead Argentina to a record 16th Copa America title on Sunday

Lorenzo further expressed his concern about the potential impact of the extended halftime on the players. “That can actually affect the physical condition of our players because they can cool down too much,” he said.

Colombia aims to secure its second Copa America championship after first winning the title at home in 2001. The team advanced to the final after beating Uruguay in the semifinal and has extended its unbeaten streak to a team-record 28 games, the longest current streak in men’s international soccer.

On the other hand, Argentina, led by eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, is looking to clinch a record 16th Copa America title.