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.

Marc Cucurella says Spain "suffered like a family" on their way to Euro 2024 glory, while Alvaro Morata paid tribute to former team-mates Andres Iniesta and Bojan Krkic.

La Roja captured their record-breaking fourth European Championship crown on Sunday, as Mikel Oyarzabal's 86th-minute strike sealed a 2-1 victory over England in Berlin.

Although not initially among the pre-tournament favourites, Spain went from strength to strength in Germany, winning all seven of their matches.

After topping Group B with maximum points, Luis de la Fuente's side swept Georgia aside 4-1 and edged out Germany 2-1 in extra time, before coming from behind to beat France by the same scoreline in the quarter-finals.

And Cucurella highlighted the togetherness demonstrated by the group, as they delivered their nation's first piece of silverware in 12 years.

"Nobody gave us a chance," the Chelsea defender said. "We just kept quiet and, in the end, we won the Euros.

"We showed that we know how to play, but also how to suffer. We suffered like a family. When we arrived, we were a group of players. Now, we are a family.

"This is incredible, and it's already history."

Meanwhile, Morata became only the third Spain captain after Ferran Olivella (1964) and Iker Casillas (2008 and 2012) to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy.

The skipper scored just once in seven games, but worked unselfishly for the good of the team.

The forward, who has spoken of his mental health challenges in the past, said he may not have even been in Germany but for the help of some former colleagues. 

"Andres and Bojan are people that I can only thank," he said. "They've been through what I've been through, and there's always the light at the end of the tunnel.

"If it wasn't for him and Bojan, I wouldn't have played in this European Championship.

"I've put on my overalls at this [tournament], I had to free up and generate space for my team-mates. For me, that is worth more than having scored 20 goals."

Mikel Oyarzabal proved the late hero as his winner saw Spain down England 2-1 on Sunday.

Spain became the first team in history to win the European Championship on four separate occasions as Oyarzabal's smart finish four minutes from time sealed a historic victory in Berlin.

Substitute Cole Palmer had earlier cancelled out Nico Williams' second-half opener, only for Real Sociedad's Oyarzabal to break English hearts in the Three Lions' second consecutive Euros final.

Gareth Southgate's side almost levelled in the final minute, but Unai Simon and Dani Olmo were the defensive heroes for Spain as England became the first team to lose back-to-back Euros finals.

A tentative first half was devoid of gilt-edged opportunities as Spain dominated possession without reward against England's well-drilled defence.

Phil Foden spurned the best chance before the break, but he volleyed tamely straight at Simon.

The injured Rodri was removed at half-time for Martin Zubimendi in a huge Spanish blow, yet that mattered for little as La Roja cut through England with ease immediately after the interval.

Yamal ghosted inside from the right flank before sliding across towards the left of the area for an unchallenged Williams to caress a left-footed strike into the bottom-right corner.

Williams found space once more just minutes later, arrowing a left-footed drive wide from a similar angle to the opener.

Stones was required to clear off the line from Alvaro Morata, while Williams hammered off target from range and Jordan Pickford superbly denied Yamal.

Spain's failure to capitalise was punished eight minutes later. A sweeping Three Lions break saw Bukayo Saka roll inside for Jude Bellingham before his offload teed up Palmer, whose guided left-footed finish from outside the box found the bottom-left corner just three minutes after his introduction.

Pickford was once again equal to Yamal eight minutes from time, parrying away another strong two-handed save after Olmo and Williams combined to set up their teenage team-mate.

Yet Pickford had no answer when Marc Cucurella whipped low across for Oyarzabal, who prodded into the bottom-left corner for the decisive goal.

There was time for one more twist, but Simon and Olmo stood firm to thwart Rice and Stones respectively as Spain clung on for glory.

Wing wizards pave way for La Roja success

Barcelona winger Yamal, aged just 17 years and one day, surpassed Brazil's Pele – at the 1958 World Cup – as the youngest-ever player to feature in a major tournament final.

Yet another piece of history was not enough for Yamal, who has been involved in more goals for Spain in all competitions than any other player since his debut in September 2023 (10 – three goals, seven assists).

His deft assist for Williams added another memorable moment for his embryonic career, and Spain supporters may be relishing the partnership of their two star wingers in future years.

But it was La Real's Oyarzabal who proved the hero, sneaking in past Pickford to inflict further heartbreak on Southgate's England as two substitutes scored in the final of the Euros or World Cup for the first time.

Familiar fate for Three Lions

England suffered heartbreak in the delayed Euro 2020 final after penalty shoot-out failure against Italy, and though they battled all the way, failed to make amends in their first international showpiece away from home soil.

The Three Lions did themselves no favours immediately after the interval, conceding the fastest goal in the second half of a Euros final, continuing a concerning trend overall.

England have now conceded the first goal in four consecutive matches for the first time since May/June 1985, and those defensive fragilities were exposed once more when Oyarzabal found a pocket of space for the winner.

Oyarzabal's magic moment may forever haunt Southgate, who could soon depart as England manager as the first head coach in European Championship history to lose two finals.

England are also the first side to lose two consecutive Euros finals, and a new era could await after the Three Lions went so close without reward once again.

Manchester United have completed the signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £35million (€42.5m).

The Netherlands international, who was part of the side that reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals, has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option for a further year.

Zirkzee is United's first major signing of the transfer window, as Erik ten Hag looks to improve on the Red Devils' disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season.

The 23-year-old scored 11 Serie A goals last term as Bologna secured Champions League qualification for the first time in their history.

Zirkzee told United's official website: "Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United.

"I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.

"It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away."

United sporting director Dan Ashworth believes the addition of Zirkzee, who outperformed his league expected goals (xG) of 9.0 by two goals last season, represents a major positive for the club.

"Securing a forward to enhance our already strong group of attacking players was a key aim for this summer," Ashworth said.

"We are delighted that we’ve managed to sign a player of Joshua’s calibre this early in the transfer window.

"Joshua is an outstanding talent who is ready to make an impact for Manchester United. His ability and desire to grow into a world-class player means that he will be a great addition to the squad that we are building for the exciting season ahead and beyond."

United are also interested in bringing Zirkzee's Netherlands team-mate Matthijs de Ligt, with the defender reportedly keen to leave Bayern Munich.

Everton, meanwhile, have rejected two offers from United for centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

Southampton have announced the signing of Yukinari Sugawara from AZ.

The right-back has signed a four-year contract after joining the club for a reported £6million fee.

Sugawara initially joined AZ on loan in 2019, before making the move permanent the following season.

In five years at the Dutch club, the Japan international made 198 appearances in all competitions, including a club-record 53 in Europe.

Speaking to the club's media channels, he said: "To come to Southampton and to play in the Premier League is one of my biggest dreams since I was young, so I am really excited to be here.

"I felt Southampton is a really good club. When Southampton gave me an offer, I said yes after one second!"

Sugawara is the sixth addition to Southampton's squad in this transfer window following their return to the Premier League.

Manchester United have confirmed that defender Tyrell Malacia has stepped his fitness programme ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season. 

Malacia did not feature for Erik ten Hag's side last term due to injury, as the Red Devils won the FA Cup for 13th time against rivals Manchester City. 

The Dutch defender arrived from Feyenoord for £15million in 2022, making 39 appearances in all competitions in a promising debut season at Old Trafford. 

However, Malacia struggled with a knee meniscus injury towards the end of the 2022-23 campaign, requiring two surgeries, that latter coming in November last year. 

That meant he had to restart his recovery, with the club announcing that the left-back had suffered a setback in his rehabilitation in December. 

But the 22-year-old has been pictured at Carrington, doing individual work as he aims to be fit for the start of ten Hag's third season at the helm.

Malacia last appearance came for the Netherlands against Croatia in the Nations League semi-final in June 2023. 

Ten Hag will be hopeful to have the Dutch defender available for the new season, having spent much of last campaign without first choice left-back, Luke Shaw. 

Shaw made just 12 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils last season and has not featured for the club since a 2-1 win over Luton back in February. 

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.

The Columbus Crew ended Los Angeles FC's unbeaten run at the BMO Stadium with a 5-1 victory in a game that saw three red cards in a frenetic ending to proceedings. 

Sergi Palencia was the first player sent off for the hosts, with LAFC's Jesus Murillo and the Crew's Marino Hinestroza also given their marching orders for an altercation just before the final whistle. 

Christian Ramirez opened the scoring in the first half, with Cucho Hernandez and Diego Rossi increasing the visitors' advantage to three by the hour mark. 

Palencia was shown his second yellow card for a pull on substitute Alexandru Matan, with Ramirez notching his second of the game from the resulting free-kick. 

Nathan Ordaz clawed one back for LAFC, but Matan would round off the scoring at the BMO Stadium as he curled an effort beyond Hugo Lloris. 

But following a tackle from Eddie Segura on Hinestroza, a push from Murillo on the Crew attacker resulted in a scuffle, with referee Lukasz Szpala showing two red cards.

"A very poor performance from us tonight, really in all categories, is the only way I would describe it," LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said. 

"Columbus were better in every moment of the game tonight and hats off to them, they played a fantastic game and deserved to win. 

"But for us, it is obviously super disappointing for our fans and we don't want to ever present ourselves like that again at home."

LAFC remain top of the Western Conference despite their defeat, but will be without Palencia and Murillo for their top-of-the-table clash with Real Salt Lake next week. 

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."