This was not the potential Copa America farewell that Lionel Messi had dreamed of.

With a little over an hour played in Miami, where he is tearing through MLS sides on a weekly basis, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was in tears as he trudged off with an apparent ankle injury.

The next Copa America is not until 2028; Messi will be beyond 40 - surely, this was his last appearance in the competition in which he has now played more games than any other player?

For Messi's individual pain, though, there was national glory. Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2024, with Portugal crashing out in the quarters, Argentina have gone the distance and, for a third successive major tournament, come out as the top dogs. They beat Colombia 1-0 on Sunday and claimed a record-setting 16th Copa America title.

But if the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup were all about their magical number 10, this time around, Lautaro Martinez provided the spark.

Martinez has not been a regular starter under Lionel Scaloni. He endured a difficult World Cup in Qatar on a personal level, failing to score from 14 shots and an accumulated xG of 1.81.

Yet in the United States, on the back of a fantastic season with Inter, Martinez has shown there is life after Messi for Argentina.

Despite having already scored four goals at the tournament to lead the Golden Boot race ahead of kick-off against Colombia, which was delayed by over an hour due to crowd trouble outside the Hard Rock Stadium, Martinez was not called upon until seven minutes into extra time.

It had, to that point, been an attritional encounter. Sure, plenty of shots (14 for Colombia, seven for Argentina) but Nicolas Gonzalez's disallowed goal and a strike off the post from Jhon Cordoba were the closest either team came. The second half alone, meanwhile, featured 13 fouls as the darker side of South American football reared its head.

This was not a game for flair. James Rodriguez, the Player of the Tournament, still got on the ball for Colombia when he could - he created three chances and played a match-leading 20 passes into the final third. Angel Di Maria, in his final match before international retirement, provided some spark for Argentina with three key passes of his own.

But it was Martinez who would make himself the (unlikely) hero. Five minutes after his introduction, he was put through by fellow substitute Giovani Lo Celso and, with his only shot of the night, coolly put Argentina ahead.

Jubilation for Argentina, who continued the pattern that began in 1983, which consists of alternating two-time champions and new winners at the Copa America. 

Deflation, though, for Colombia, whose long unbeaten streak came to an end after 27 games, and their 23-year wait for a second Copa America title will roll on to become 27 years, at least. Will they get a better chance, especially after seeing Messi go off?

Argentina had less possession than their opponents for the first time since the semi-finals against Croatia in the last World Cup, with Colombia seeing 55.7% of the ball.

But even if Messi, who scored only once across the tournament, was not at his fluid best, or even available at all, Argentina proved they can win without him. After he dragged them to glory in Qatar, Messi had to watch on - with his ankle swelling - from the sidelines as Martinez got Argentina over the line.

This victory is one that has been built on a spectacularly solid defence, too. Argentina conceded only once in six games, in the quarter-final against Ecuador, which they won on penalties. Among the teams that played at least five matches in any edition of the Copa America, only four conceded fewer than two goals: Argentina in 2024 (one), Colombia in 2001 (0), Brazil in 1989 (one) and 2019 (one).

And what of Messi, then? 

At 37 years and 20 days old, he became the oldest player to start a Copa America final in the 21st century. He is also the first player to play in five finals (2007, 2015, 2016, 2021 and 2024), surpassing Javier Mascherano (2004, 2007, 2015 and 2016).

He had not been substituted in a Copa America match since July 2007, also in a meeting with Colombia, but needs must.

If this was, as expected, his farewell appearance in the competition, he goes out a two-time champion and with 14 goals to his name, three short of the tournament's record scorers.

Martinez, meanwhile, has completed his redemption arc. His tally of five goals not only wins him the Golden Boot, but also matches the best effort by an Argentine at the Copa America since the turn of the century (along with Messi in 2016 and Juan Roman Riquelme in 2007).

His goals came from just 221 minutes of action, and he started just two of Argentina's six matches.

Colombia will lick their wounds, but so too must CONMEBOL and CONCACAF. 

Passions run high in South American football, and the Americas in general, but the United States will be hosting a World Cup in two years' time. The chaos outside the stadium gates, which resulted in hundreds if not thousands of fans entering without tickets, and the match being delayed, does not reflect well at all.

Like Martinez in an international shirt, those governing bodies must up their games. 

Angel Di Maria said he had dreamed of calling time on his international career with a trophy as Argentina beat Colombia in the Copa America final on Sunday. 

Lautaro Martinez's fifth goal of the tournament secured Lionel Scaloni's side a record 16th title to move ahead of Uruguay as the most successful team in the competition. 

Di Maria, who made 145 appearances for Argentina, received the player of the match award in his final outing for La Albiceleste at the Hard Rock Stadium. 

The 36-year-old featured in all but one of Argentina's fixtures at the tournament, registering one assist in their 2-0 win over Peru in their final group game. 

Di Maria announced in October that he would retire from international football after this year's Copa America, calling time on a glittering 16-year career. 

The win also sees defender Nicholas Otamendi end his international career, while Lionel Messi is yet to decide whether he will participate in the 2026 World Cup. 

Di Maria has played a key role in La Albiceleste's three major tournament triumphs in as many years. 

The Argentine scored in both the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup final and said that his nation's latest success was the perfect way to bow out. 

"The truth is, this was written, it was this way," Di Maria said. "I dreamed it, I dreamed that I would arrive to the final and win it and retire in this way.

"I have so many beautiful feelings and I am eternally grateful to this generation and today I am leaving in this way with a title."

Lautaro Martinez struck an extra-time winner as Argentina edged out Colombia 1-0 to win their second successive Copa America title, despite losing Lionel Messi to injury.

The Inter forward climbed off the bench to break Los Cafeteros' hearts in the 112th minute in Miami, where kick-off had been delayed for 82 minutes due to crowd disruption outside the stadium. 

La Albiceleste headed into extra time without Messi, who left the field in tears in the 66th minute after sustaining an ankle injury.

Nevertheless, Lautaro Martinez stepped up in his skipper's absence, slotting past Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas to deliver his nation's record-breaking 16th Copa triumph.

Both sides demonstrated their attacking intent early on. Julian Alvarez fired wide inside the opening 60 seconds, while Jhon Cordoba's volley clipped the outside of the post six minutes later.

Emiliano Martinez held onto a Carlos Cuesta header and, at the other end, Alvaraz inadvertently took the sting out of Lionel Messi's goalbound effort on 20 minutes.

As the final remained in the balance, Jefferson Lerma fired narrowly wide from distance, while Nicolas Tagliafico headed over from a Messi free-kick just before the break.

Colombia created the better opportunities in the early stages of the second half. Santiago Arias drilled wide and Davinson Sanchez headed over from a James Rodriguez corner.

At the other end, Camilo Vargas pushed away Angel Di Maria's effort from a tight angle, before a distraught Messi was forced off injured as the game headed into the final quarter.

Messi's replacement Nicolas Gonzalez thought he had broken the deadlock in the 75th minute, but Argentina were denied by the offside flag as the game headed for extra time.

Gonzalez went close again five minutes into the first period, with Vargas scrambling across to thwart him on the line.

A penalty shootout loomed but, with eight minutes remaining, two Argentina substitutes combined with Giovani Lo Celso feeding Lautaro Martinez, whose composed finish snatched the Copa from under Colombia's noses.

Super sub Lautaro seals Argentina's successful title defence

Having scored from the bench in Argentina's opening two Group A games against Canada and Chile, Lautaro Martinez chose an ideal moment to complete a hat-trick of such strikes in this tournament.

Combining with fellow substitute Lo Celso, the Inter forward netted his fifth goal in the United States to secure the Golden Boot award.

La Albiceleste needed a hero after Messi limped off on a bittersweet night for the skipper.

The first player to feature in five Copa America finals, at 37 years and 20 days, he was also the oldest player to start one in the 21st century.

However, there was to be no match-winning contribution this time in a tournament at which he has been plagued by niggling injuries.

Messi's international future is uncertain but team-mates Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi - both of whom donned the captain's armband following his withdrawal - sign off with another major international honour under their belts.

Courageous Colombia come up short

While Argentina captured their 16th Copa, Colombia were seeking just the second in their history.

Los Cafeteros claimed their sole triumph on home soil in 2001, notably recording three successive clean sheets in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.

It looked like Nestor Lorenzo's current crop of players could follow suit 23 years later, as they more than held their own with the reigning Copa and world champions.

But La Albiceleste - the last team to beat them before they embarked on their record-breaking 28-match unbeaten run - proved their nemesis once more, with Lautaro Martinez's strike breaking that streak, and breaking their hearts.

The 2024 Copa America final was delayed by 30 minutes after supporters without tickets breached security outside the Hard Rock Stadium.

Footage circulated on social media showing fans breaking through one of the stadium's main gates, with police making several arrests while attempting to stem the flow of people.

The gate was subsequently locked down, while supporters were seen receiving medical attention and asking for water in the stifling conditions.

The Copa America's climax between Argentina and Colombia was due to begin at 8pm local time (1am BST), but Copa America confirmed that kick-off had been pushed back.

"We would like to inform you that individuals without tickets will not be allowed entry into the stadium," they wrote on X.

"Only those with purchased tickets will be permitted entry once access is reopened. We also inform you that the match will be delayed by 30 minutes, starting at 8:30 PM [local time]."

Reigning champions Argentina are seeking a record-breaking 16th Copa America triumph, while Colombia target their second title - and first since 2001.

Jessie Marsch says Canada showed "incredible potential" by finishing fourth at the Copa America, even if he believes they threw a bronze medal away against Uruguay.

Ismael Kone and Jonathan David scored as Canada fought back from 1-0 down to lead Saturday's third-place play-off in North Carolina, but Luis Suarez levelled after 92 minutes.

Kone and Alphonso Davies then failed to convert in the penalty shoot-out as Uruguay emerged as 4-2 victors, becoming the first nation to win multiple shoot-outs at two editions of the tournament (2024 and 1999).

Canada, meanwhile, fell short of becoming the third CONCACAF nation to get on the podium at the Copa, after Mexico (1997, 1999 and 2007) and Honduras (2001).

While Marsch was disappointed with the way Canada let that achievement slip away in the dying moments, he was full of pride when discussing their campaign overall, particularly as they build towards a home World Cup in two years' time.

"The players are disappointed in the way that we gave the match away, but I was very positive with them," Marsch said.

"We've been together for a little over six weeks. We came into this match, put some new players on the pitch, played against one of the best teams in the world and dominated.

"We're still a young team. If you look at their team, they have experienced players across the board, players playing at big clubs, a lot of experience in understanding how to handle moments. We're still developing that."

Marsch only took the reins in mid-May but navigated a route through a challenging group containing Argentina, Chile and Peru, then oversaw a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals.

"The beauty was the clarity with which the way that we're playing was executed by the new players that came in," he added.

"It's not easy to build a tactical model in such a short time and under such big stresses against good opponents and then perform and execute at such a high level.

"So, again, what a positive sign. What a great group of guys. What incredible potential we have with this team."

Lionel Messi has warned Argentina's Copa America final opponents Colombia the injury worries that hampered him earlier in the tournament are now firmly behind him.

Messi is looking to lead La Albiceleste to a third major tournament win in as many years on Sunday, as the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup winners face Colombia at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.

He has endured a mixed tournament, needing four games – and 12 shots – to score his first goal as he finally got off the mark against Canada in the semi-finals.

A muscle injury forced Messi to sit out Argentina's third group-stage match against Peru, but he says he is fully fit and raring to go ahead of Sunday's showpiece game.

Speaking to Dsports, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said: "With Canada I felt very good physically. 

"Against Chile I had an adductor problem and I no longer played comfortably. I was already slowed down, it bothered me when I had to stand up or move laterally. 

"Versus Ecuador [in the last eight] I arrived just in time too. I was fine from the injury, but I had it in my head that I had something wrong. 

"In the last match I lost my fear, I felt better and for the final I will feel even better."

Many believe Messi could call time on his glittering international career after Sunday's final, after he said he was fighting his "last battles" with Argentina last week.

Messi is set to become the first player in Copa history to feature in five finals, having led his nation to glory three years ago after losing the 2007, 2015 and 2016 finals.

He currently shares the record for most final appearances with former team-mate Javier Mascherano, who played in the 2004, 2007, 2015 and 2016 showpiece matches.

Colombia boss Nestor Lorenzo has hit out at the decision to have an extended half-time break during Sunday's Copa America final to facilitate a performance by Shakira.

Colombia will go in search of their second Copa America title at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, while holders Argentina are targeting a record-breaking 16th triumph.

Tournament organisers are planning a 25-minute interval, rather than the traditional 15, with Colombian pop sensation Shakira performing during the break.

While Lorenzo says the extended break will not give an advantage to either team in particular, he is worried about the potential for it to impact players' conditioning.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Lorenzo told reporters: "I hope you enjoy, Shakira is great. 

"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 it's bad, or if it favours one side.

"I can't understand it, I wish it were like the rest of the games."

Lorenzo pointed to incidents which saw Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Venezuela sanctioned by CONMEBOL for late arrivals after half-time during the group stage.

"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," he said.

"Players can get cold, but it's on both sides. I found out today that this is how it is, and that's it."

Marcelo Bielsa has expressed gratitude for the chance to manage Luis Suarez, who is yet to make a decision on his Uruguay future after they finished third at the Copa America.

Suarez scored a last-gasp equaliser as Uruguay drew 2-2 with Canada in Saturday's third-place play-off before claiming the bronze medal with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win.

He converted La Celeste's fourth and final penalty before Alphonso Davies clipped the crossbar with an attempted Panenka, as Uruguay matched their second-best Copa America result this century (having won the trophy in 2011).

Suarez was playing his 19th match at the Copa America and has scored at four separate editions of the tournament (2011, 2019, 2021 and 2024), a feat only matched by three other Uruguayans – Roberto Porta (four), Angel Romano and Hector Scarone (both five).

The 37-year-old saw his minutes limited at this year's tournament and is expected to call time on his international career after saying "the flame is dying out" last week.

Speaking after Uruguay's shoot-out win, he refused to be drawn on his future as he said: "Today the important thing is to appreciate and value the effort of the whole team, and in my case, that is the only focus.

"I think that it is difficult when you arrive at the third versus fourth match to be motivated, but the motivation and pride within ourselves that we had today, it is about competing for the shirt of this country, one for which we have all suffered.

"After the loss the other day, there's no better way to finish than with a victory. It's good to take the positive things and correct the negatives."

Bielsa, meanwhile, said it was a pleasure to have coached Suarez, who is Uruguay's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 142 matches.

"The level he showed in the minutes he played, the technical and physical level he showed in training, put him close to the starting lineup," Bielsa said of the Inter Miami man.

"Today in the second half had a satisfactory performance and, in addition to the goal, he led some attacks that allowed us to dominate passages of the game, to generate situations. 

"Having shared this time with him confirms the image of a superior player, of a great team-mate, he was a very great support for all of us."

Uruguay could be surpassed outright for the most Copa America titles in Sunday's final, as Argentina target a 16th triumph at the tournament against Colombia.

Alphonso Davies' failed Panenka attempt proved decisive as Uruguay edged out Canada in the Copa America third-place play-off on penalties, following a 2-2 draw in Charlotte.

Luis Suarez's stoppage-time equaliser sent the contest the distance, after goals from Ismael Kone and Jonathan David had cancelled out Rodrigo Bentancur's earlier strike at the Bank of America Stadium.

Sergio Rochet then gave Uruguay the advantage in the shoot-out when he denied Kone's tame penalty, meaning Davies had to score with Canada's fifth spot-kick.

However, the Bayern Munich clipped his effort against the crossbar, with La Celeste subsequently snatching third place from under the tournament debutants' noses. 

Uruguay took the lead after just eight minutes when Sebastian Caceres diverted a corner to the feet of Bentancur who, on the turn, brilliantly lashed into the roof of the net.

Maximiliano Araujo was denied by Dayne St. Clair from a tight angle before Canada equalised from a corner of their own in the 22nd minute, when Kone beat Rochet with a delightful acrobatic flick.

La Celeste thought they had retaken the lead within a minute when Facundo Pellestri drilled home. However, the offside flag was raised against Darwin Nunez, who was deemed to be interfering with play during the build-up.

Canada then went close to completing the turnaround before half-time with Tani Oluwaseyi nodding wide while Nahitan Nandez – back from suspension – cleared Jonathan Osorio's header off the line.

Oluwaseyi had another opportunity on the hour mark but, this time, was thwarted by Rochet after latching onto a neat throughball.

At the other end, Derek Cornelius came to Canada's rescue with a superb last-ditch sliding challenge to deny Suarez an almost certain tap-in, while blocking Brian Rodriguez's attempt soon after.

Davies drilled just wide, and Federico Valverde clipped the top of the crossbar before David edged Canada in front 10 minutes from time, reacting quickest to scramble the ball home after Rochet could only parry Kone's fierce drive.

However, there was to be a late twist when, in the second minute of stoppage time, Suarez turned in Jose Gimenez's cross to force a penalty shoot-out.

Rochet denied Kone from 12 yards and, with Uruguay scoring all four of their penalties, La Celeste could celebrate after Davies' Panenka attempt came back off the crossbar.

Uruguay spot on to secure bronze

Uruguay have lifted the Copa America trophy on a record-equalling 15 occasions (level with Argentina), but they now have greater experience of contesting the third-place play-off (16 times).

La Celeste boasted a decent strike rate of nine wins from their 15 previous such matches, but they had lost three of the last four.

A fourth defeat in five appeared to be on the cards when David completed Canada's turnaround in the 80th minute.

However, Suarez had other ideas with his last-gasp equaliser setting up a penalty shoot-out where, just like against Brazil in the quarter-finals, Uruguay scored four times from the spot.

With Rochet saving from Kone and Davies hitting the crossbar, La Celeste sealed third place and matched their second-best Copa America performance during the 21st century (also finishing third in 2004, while lifting the trophy seven years later).

Debutants pay the penalty

Marsch's side had the opportunity to match the second-best performance of a Copa America debutant from outside CONMEBOL by securing third place (like Honduras in 2001).

They were also boosted by the fact Uruguay were winless in their three previous Copa America knockout games against CONCACAF opposition.

Canada demonstrated brilliant character to come from behind and were just moments away from bowing out with the bronze medal, before Suarez denied them victory.

But after defeating Venezuela on penalties in the quarter-finals, there was to be no joy from the spot this time around. Nevertheless, they can hold their heads high and have plenty of positive momentum to build on ahead of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.

Nestor Lorenzo acknowledged Colombia must be "the best version" of themselves if they are to beat Argentina in Sunday's Copa America final.

Los Cafeteros are preparing for their first appearance in the tournament's showpiece since lifting the trophy on home soil in 2001.

Lorenzo's side topped Group D ahead of Brazil with seven points from nine, before inflicting a 5-0 rout on Panama in the quarter-finals.

Colombia then edged out Uruguay 1-0 in the semi-finals - despite playing over half the contest with 10 men following Daniel Munoz's dismissal - to stretch their unbeaten streak to a national record of 28 matches.

Lorenzo is delighted by the way his players have overcome the different challenges presented to them en route to the final, where Argentina await.

However, he knows they must produce a perfect display if they are to dethrone the reigning Copa America and world champions.

"We need to be the best Colombia, the best version, to beat Argentina, the champions of everything," Lorenzo told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"To win against Argentina, we have to be very well-prepared, because they are the champions. It will be a very demanding match.

"Every day, overcoming an obstacle means you grow, and we have had several games with these types of situations that made us reinvent ourselves in the game and the team reacted.

"We are in a very good moment. I think the team still has room for improvement, and we hope to have a great performance tomorrow and take a step forward in that sense as well."

Lionel Scaloni hopes Angel Di Maria can retire from international duty "in the best possible way", but did not reveal whether he will start Argentina's Copa America final showdown with Colombia.

The veteran winger - and winner of 144 caps - is set to call time on his illustrious career with La Albiceleste at the conclusion of this tournament, where they are looking to successfully defend their crown.

Di Maria has played a crucial role in Argentina's success in recent years, scoring the winner against Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final, while netting in the 2022 World Cup final victory over France.

The 36-year-old has continued to demonstrate his importance for Scaloni's side in the United States, playing in four of their five games en route to their sixth Copa final in eight editions.

It is unclear if Di Maria will feature at the Hard Rock Stadium but, either way, his head coach wants to give him an ideal send-off.

"We hope that everything goes well, and that Angel can retire in the best possible way," Scaloni told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"Even though we know it will be his last game, we will always decide first what is best for the team. If he has to play, it's because he has to play. If we decide not to play him, it's because we think differently.

"It is a final and every final has its nuances. We will try to play it and win it. Every team that goes to a final knows the flavour of it and what's at stake."

Standing in Argentina's way is Colombia, whose semi-final victory over Uruguay was marred by crowd violence.

CONMEBOL are currently investigating the incident which saw La Celeste players climbing into the stands at the Bank of America Stadium when family members were caught up in violence involving Los Cafetero supporters.

Scaloni empathised with Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa, who vehemently defended his players' actions, and is hopeful there will be no such occurrence during the final.

"We ask the players to set an example, but when something like this happens, no one acts differently," the Argentina coach said. "I hope it doesn't happen again. I don't know if it's anybody's fault, but to see your family in a riot or nearby must be desperate.

"I hope the fans have a party [at the final]. I want it with all my heart. Apart from the joy of winning the title, I think it would be a joy for everyone if it ends well."

Alphonso Davies' failed Panenka attempt proved decisive as Uruguay edged out Canada in the Copa America third-place playoff on penalties, following a 2-2 draw in Charlotte.

Luis Suarez's stoppage-time equaliser sent the contest the distance, after goals from Ismael Kone and Jonathan David had cancelled out Rodrigo Bentancur's earlier strike at the Bank of University Stadium.

Sergio Rochet then gave Uruguay the advantage in the shootout when he denied Kone's tame penalty, meaning Davies had to score with Canada's fifth spot-kick.

However, the Bayern Munich clipped his effort against the crossbar, with La Celeste subsequently snatching third place from under the tournament debutants' noses. 

Uruguay took the lead after just eight minutes when Sebastian Caceres diverted a corner to the feet of Bentancur who, on the turn, brilliantly lashed into the roof of the net.

Maximiliano Araujo was denied by Dayne St. Clair from a tight angle before Canada equalised from a corner of their own in the 22nd minute, when Kone beat Rochet with a delightful acrobatic flick.

La Celeste thought they had retaken the lead within a minute when Facundo Pellestri drilled home. However, the offside was raised against Darwin Nunez, who was deemed to be interfering with play during the build-up.

The Canucks then went close to completing the turnaround before half-time with Tani Oluwaseyi nodding wide while Nahitan Nandez – back from suspension – cleared Jonathan Osorio's header off the line.

Oluwaseyi had another opportunity on the hour mark but, this time, was thwarted by Rochet after latching onto a neat throughball.

At the other end, Derek Cornelius came to Canada's rescue with a superb last-ditch sliding challenge to deny Suarez an almost certain tap-in, while blocking Brian Rodriguez's attempt soon after.

Davies drilled just wide, and Federico Valverde clipped the top of the crossbar before David edged Canada in front 10 minutes from time, reacting quickest to scramble the ball home after Rochet could only parry Kone's fierce drive.

However, there was to be a late twist when, in the second minute of stoppage time, Suarez turned in Jose Gimenez's cross to force a penalty shootout.

Rochet kept out Kone from 12 yards and, with Uruguay scoring all four of their penalties, La Celeste could celebrate after Davies' Panenka attempt came back off the crossbar.

Uruguay spot on as they secure bronze medal

Uruguay have lifted the Copa America trophy on a record-equalling 15 occasions (level with Argentina), but they now have greater experience of contesting the third-place playoff (16 times).

La Celeste boasted a decent strike rate of nine wins from their 15 previous such matches, but they had lost three of the last four.

A fourth defeat in five appeared to be on the cards when David completed Canada's turnaround in the 80th minute.

However, Suarez had other ideas with his last-gasp equaliser setting up a penalty shootout where, just like against Brazil in the quarter-finals, Uruguay scored four times from the spot.

With Rochet saving from Kone and Davies hitting the crossbar, La Celeste sealed third place and matched their second-best Copa America performance during the 21st century (also finishing third in 2004, while lifting the trophy seven years later).

Debutants Canada pay the penalty

Marsch's side had the opportunity to match the second-best performance of a Copa America debutant from outside the CONMEBOL by securing third place (like Honduras in 2001).

The Canucks were also boosted by the fact Uruguay were winless in their three previous Copa America knockout games against CONCACAF opposition.

Canada demonstrated brilliant character to come from behind, and were just moments away from bowing out with the bronze medal, before Suarez denied them.

But after defeating Venezuela on penalties in the quarter-finals, there was to be no joy from the spot this time around. Nevertheless, they can hold their heads high and have positive momentum to build on ahead of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.

Nestor Lorenzo acknowledged Colombia must be "the best version" of themselves if they are to beat Argentina in Sunday's Copa America final.

Los Cafeteros are gearing for their first appearance in the tournament's showpiece since lifting the trophy on home soil in 2001.

Lorenzo's side topped Group D ahead of Brazil with seven points from nine, before inflicting a 5-0 rout on Panama in the quarter-finals.

Colombia then edged out Uruguay 1-0 in the semi-finals - despite playing over half the contest with 10 men following Daniel Munoz's dismissal - to stretch their unbeaten streak to a national record of 28 matches.

Lorenzo is delighted by the way his players have overcome the different challenges presented to them en route to the final, where Argentina await.

However, he knows they must produce a perfect performance if they are to dethrone the reigning Copa America and world champions.

"We need to be the best Colombia, the best version, to beat Argentina, the champions of everything," Lorenzo told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"To win against Argentina, we have to be very well-prepared, because they are the champions, it will be a very demanding match," he added.

"Every day, overcoming an obstacle means you grow, and we have had several games with these types of situations that made us reinvent ourselves in the game and the team reacted.

"We are in a very good moment. I think the team still has room for improvement, and we hope to have a great performance tomorrow and take a step forward in that sense as well."

Lionel Messi hopes team-mate Angel Di Maria can sign off with "another goal" when Argentina face Colombia in Sunday's Copa America final.

Di Maria announced in November that the tournament in the United States would mark the last time he represents his country, for whom he has earned 144 caps.

The 36-year-old has played a crucial role in La Albiceleste's success in recent years, scoring the winner against Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final, while netting in the 2022 World Cup final victory over France.

Di Maria, who also scored the only goal against Nigeria in the 2008 Olympic final, continues to demonstrate his importance for Lionel Scaloni's side, playing in four of their five games en route to their sixth Copa final in eight editions.

And Messi wants his fellow winger to make one more vital contribution before bringing the curtain down on his illustrious international career.

"Who knows? Maybe he'll score another goal in the final, like he did in all the previous ones he's played in. It would be extraordinary," the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said in an interview with Direct TV Sports.

"We always tell him that if everything goes well, we have World Cup qualifiers coming up. Nevertheless, 'Fideo' [Di Maria] has made up his mind and there's nothing that can change it."

Should he appear in the final, Di Maria would join Javier Zanetti on 145 caps, behind only Messi (186) and Javier Mascherano (147) on Argentina's all-time list.

Meanwhile, his tally of 31 goals is only bettered for La Albiceleste by Messi (109), Gabriel Batistuta (56), Sergio Aguero (41), Hernan Crespo (45) and Diego Maradona (34), and he knows he can retire from international duty with his head held high.

"I'm not ready for my last game with the national team, but now it's time," an emotional Di Maria said.

"A thousand things could happen [in the final], but I think that whatever happens, I can leave through the big door. I've done everything to be able to leave through that door.

"I'll take a lot of trophies with me, but the people, team-mates and friends I'll take with me is something you can't buy with anything."

Jesse Marsch rubbished links to the United States men's national team, insisting his commitment remains with Canada.

The former Leeds United manager is preparing Canada for their third-place play-off at the Copa America against Uruguay on Sunday.

Canada's next fixture after that will come against the USA in September, with suggestions Marsch may have had a say in setting up the meeting.

Yet the 50-year-old offered an emphatic denial for any links to the USA coaching role, from which Gregg Berhalter was sacked this week after a woeful Copa showing on home soil.

"I'm not leaving this job," Marsch said. "I have no interest in the U.S. job. And to be fair, unless there's a big shift in the organisation, I don't think that I'll ever have an interest in that job in the future.

"I'm really happy here. I couldn't be happier, actually, in terms of what it's like to work with the leaders in this organisation and what it's like to work with this team."

Marsch has previously hit out at the USA for their treatment of him when the national side were looking for a new manager in 2022.

The Canada head coach was thought to be the leading contender after the 2022 World Cup when Berhalter's contract expired.

Berhalter was unexpectedly rehired shortly after, however, as Marsch said he "wasn't treated very well in the process" in discussions over the managerial vacancy.

Marsch has somewhat had the last laugh, though, with Canada reaching the semi-finals at the Copa while the USA were dumped out in the group stages.