Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has singled out James Rodriguez for praise ahead of his team's clash with Colombia in the Copa America final on Sunday.

Rodriguez is one of the favorites to win the Golden Ball award for the best player in the tournament, having set a new Copa America record with six assists in this edition.

"He [Rodriguez] is a great player and it's a pleasure to watch him," Scaloni said ahead of the final at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.

Despite his sublime form with Colombia's national team, Rodriguez has struggled at club level in recent years and is currently searching for a new home after a disappointing 12-month spell at Sao Paulo.

Scaloni commended Colombia manager and compatriot Nestor Lorenzo for creating an environment for Colombia's No. 10 to flourish.

"Nestor has built a team around him and it's a great thing for football," the Albiceleste boss said of the former Real Madrid player. "Having said that we do not focus on just one player. We look at the entire squad because Colombia is a very good team."

Argentina will be aiming to become the first side in history to successfully defend the Copa America crown while simultaneously holding the World Cup trophy.

Colombia, meanwhile, are seeking their first triumph in the continental tournament since 2001.

Scaloni refused to predict how Sunday's match might play out and stressed that there was no clear favorite.

"It's a final and finals have nuances," the former Deportivo La Coruna and Lazio winger said. "Football is so beautiful that you can plan a game, and then it goes the other way. We have to try not to miss any details, but we have an idea of what it could be like."

"We want to be protagonists, but Colombia are playing at a high level and we know they are going to be difficult rivals," he concluded. 

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