After a Messi penalty salvaged a point against Paraguay on Wednesday night, Argentina know they must now beat 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar to avoid an embarrassing early exit.

Miguel Almiron's superb assist for Paraguay in their Copa America draw with Argentina has earned a tongue-in-cheek comparison to Lionel Messi from Newcastle.

South America has provided football with its greatest icons but also suffered terrible tragedy; Chapecoense, Flamengo and the murder of Andres Escobar for scoring a World Cup own goal.

Despite knowing he can play no part in a potential trophy-winning tournament, the Paris Saint-Germain ace was all smiles as he reunited with players and staff at their base in Sao Paulo.

Alexis Sanchez admitted he is 'always playing happy' for his country Chile in what could be perceived as a dig at Man United after overcoming a twisted ankle to score their Copa America winner.

An impressive double from striker Darwin Machis helped Venezuela book their place in the Copa America quarter-finals with a comfortable 3-1 win over Bolivia on Saturday.

The South American side clinched second place in Group B after a 2-0 victory against Qatar, thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez and Sergio Aguero. 'Now starts another Copa,' Messi said.

Lionel Messi might be Argentina's - and Barcelona's - all-time record goalscorer, but fans were quick to mock the all-time great after he missed an easy chance for his country in Copa America.

Real Madrid fans are relishing the prospect of watching 18-year-old Takefusa Kubo after his latest impressive display at the Copa America against Ecuador on Monday night.

Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani scored a late winner to stun reigning champions Chile in Rio on Monday night. Jonathan Rodriguez's cross from the left by the forward in the 82nd minute.

Brazilian star Neymar was ruled out of Copa America just over a week before the opening match after limping out of a friendly against Qatar with the untimely injury.

COLOMBIA 0-0 CHILE (CHILE WIN 5-4 ON PENALTIES): Chile overcame two unfavorable VAR decisions in regulation time on Friday, then defeated Colombia 5-4 on penalties in the quarter-finals of the South American competition.

The Barcelona star has scored just one goal in four appearances for Argentina at the tournament, a penalty against Paraguay, although they are into the semi-finals.

His performances have caught the attention of the Catalan giants, who are now preparing to pay his £100m release cause to bring him to the Nou Camp, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Stars from Argentina and Brazil have been training in preparation for their crucial Copa America semi-final showdown on Tuesday evening.

TOM SANDERSON IN SAO PAULO: Colombia international William Tesillo has confirmed that he has been the recipient of death threats for his role in the country's Copa America exit.

Chile vs Peru on Wednesday doesn't carry the same sporting rivalry as Brazil vs. Argentina, but it brings together two nations with off-the-field quarrels dating to the 19th Century.

The 32-year-old's wait for major silverware with his country goes on after Argentina were beaten 2-0 by Brazil in the Copa America semi-finals. Messi will be 35 by the 2022 World Cup.

Philippe Coutinho was left red-faced on the big stage this week, after falling for a sumptuous piece of skill during Brazil's Copa America clash with rivals Argentina.

Chile were knocked out of the Copa America in the semi-finals with a 3-0 defeat by Peru, and Eduardo Vargas' misery was compounded when he missed a late penalty.

The Chelsea star felt pain in his right thigh during the second half of Tuesday's 2-0 semi-final victory against Argentina but stayed on the pitch as his side had used all three substitutes.

Alisson will become the first goalkeeper to win three Golden Gloves in one season having kept five clean sheets in the Copa America. No other goalkeeper can catch him with the final still to play.

Gary Medel has come out in defence of Lionel Messi after both players were sent off for a confrontation in the Copa America third place playoff. The were dismissed for a clash in the first half.

The FIFA Women's World Cup Final between the US and the Netherlands takes place on Sunday - but the game may not make TV rating history on its own.

Everton forward Richarlison sent 200 million of his fellow countrymen into hysterics through a post-match interview recorded after his Copa America-sealing goal on Sunday evening.

TOM SANDERSON AT THE MARACANA: In front of 70,000 revellers at the Maracana, Brazil prolonged their record of having won the Copa America each time they have hosted.

Brazil star Dani Alves, currently a free agent, jumped the gun by dropping to his knees as the referee blew his whistle near the end of the Copa America final against Peru.

Wolanski wore a skimpy swimsuit advertising a Russian porn pranking website during Liverpool's Champions League final win over Tottenham in Madrid last month and was escorted off the pitch.

Edu is closing in on the technical director job at Arsenal after Brazil appointed Juninho to replace him as their general coordinator.

Dani Alves moved his trophy tally into the forties on Sunday night when he lifted the Copa America in front of a rocking Maracana crowd.

According to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte , Arsenal's new technical director Edu has held talks with Everton's agent Gilmar Veloz to assess whether a move to the Emirates is feasible.

With Alisson yet to return following his involvement with Brazil's triumph in the Copa America, the club announced on Tuesday that Lonergan will travel and train with the squad for their three-match tour.

Fresh from their Copa America success, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho have been kicking back in style while making the most of well-earned time off.

The 23-year-old played an integral role in Brazil's Copa America success this summer and has attracted interest from several clubs, including Everton.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been banned for one game and fined £1,200 after being sent off against Chile in the Copa America third-place playoff earlier this month.

As far as auditions go, Simon Mignolet's performance during Liverpool's recent pre-season friendly with Sporting Lisbon will be one to forget in a hurry.

Suarez was put through a rigorous sandpit routine on his own as he attended his first session back at Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training base on Friday.

Jesus scored Brazil's second goal in a 3-1 victory over Peru at the Maracana last month but erupted in anger after being sent off for a second bookable offence.

Lionel Messi has started his recovery from a calf injury as the Barcelona star pushes to be fit for the start of the La Liga season on August 16. He trained alone with his team-mates away in the USA.

The Brazilian sealed his country's Copa America triumph on home soil with the third goal in their 3-1 victory over Peru in the final at the Maracana Stadium in July.

Lionel Messi has suffered another injury setback and will almost certainly be out of Barcelona's La Liga fixture with Osasuna at the weekend. Messi has struggled for fitness since suffering a calf injury.

JACK GAUGHAN AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City cannot say they weren't warned. Those fears were realised against Brighton, 37 minutes into another procession.

Argentina and Chile renewed their combative rivalry in Los Angeles on Thursday in a game that was peppered with 10 yellow cards but ultimately ended as a goalless stalemate.

We were warned that he may come back, but still, when Dani Alves announced that he would be joining Sao Paulo on a three-year deal, the move sent shockwaves around Brazilian football.

The Brazilian midfielder booked his wedding for July after expecting to be included in Brazil's Copa America squad. However, he was dropped by Brazil after a disappointing debut Premier League season.

Lionel Messi praised Argentina's work ethic after scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over Brazil on his return to international football following a three-month ban for criticising CONMEBOL.

Bring an image of Brazil to your mind and it is almost certain you will think of free-flowing attacking moves, samba skills and jogo bonito. Not debates about defensive midfielders.

The goal-shy Toffees have identified the forward positions as an area of improvement, and boss Carlo Ancelotti has set his sights on the club's Brazilian namesake as a transfer target.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY IAN LADYMAN: For Richarlison it helped to have 2.1million Instagram followers when his dog escaped. After an appeal on social media, two Everton fans found his pet.

Borussia Dortmund will return to training on Monday amid the coronavirus outbreak but will only allow their players to train in twos.