Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo rips Shakira halftime show for Copa America final

Not everyone is excited for the Shakira concert.

The legendary singer is set to perform a halftime show during the 2024 Copa America final Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Shakira’s native Colombia plays in the match, against reigning Copa America and World Cup champions Argentina.

But Colombia’s head coach, Nestor Lorenzo, criticized CONMEBOL for the decision, which will extend halftime from the normal 15 minutes to 25 minutes for the concert.

“I hope you enjoy, Shakira is great,” Lorenzo said on Saturday. “For a final, when the rules change for both teams, bad pitches for both or same weather for both, then I can’t say if its bad or if it favors one side.

“I can’t understand it, I wish it were like the rest. 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, but it’s on both sides. I found out today that this is how it is, and that’s it.”

Colombia advanced to the final after defeating Uruguay, 1-0, in the semifinal on Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

Argentina, meanwhile, beat Canada, 2-0, in their semifinal on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to reach the final.

Messi, who scored the team’s second goal in the semifinal, could be playing his last major tournament with Argentina.

“I am aware that these are the last battles,” Messi said after the semifinal win. “I am enjoying them to the fullest.”

Colombia’s James Rodriguez has starred as one of the best players throughout the tournament, recording a goal and six assists in five games.

“He’s done a great Copa América, we are lucky that he is good and taken leadership of the team,” Lorenzo said. “And that the team has supported him and taken him to this game, where we want to be. He’s been one of the best, I don’t know if the best but one of. And I hope tomorrow he gives off a good performance.”