For Lionel Messi, the present Copa America campaign with Argentina has, so far, been another bruising affair on the international stage. But he has still shown flashes of his sparkling best.

Uruguay twice came from behind to draw 2-2 against a superb Japan side in the Copa America with the help of two questionable refereeing decisions and will have to wait to book a quarter-final place.

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.

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.

Brazil cruised into the Copa America knock-out stages by dismantling Peru at the Arena Corinthians. Casemiro, Roberto Firmino, Everton, Dani Alves and Willian were all on target.

Argentina must beat Qatar in Porto Alegre on Sunday night and hope Paraguay fail to beat Colombia if they are to avoid a humiliating group-stage exit at the Copa America.

Colombia enjoyed victory over Paraguay despite fielding a second-string side to make it a clean sweep of wins in their Copa America group stage campaign

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.

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez took his reputation as a fierce competitor to new heights in his side's 1-0 win over Chile in the Copa America by appealing for a handball... by Chile's goalkeeper. 

Brazil coach Tite joined the chorus of players and officials complaining about Copa America pitches, saying it was 'absurd' to play on surfaces like the one on which the hosts beat Paraguay on.

Firmino scored three no-look goals for Liverpool last season, turning his head away from the ball before shooting. And this cocky manoeuvre was used as a stick to beat him with on social media.

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.

Everton striker Richarlison was left out of Brazil's Copa America quarter-final with Paraguay on Thursday amid concerns the attacker has contracted mumps.

The Everton forward was put in isolation for three days after contracting the contagious viral infection and was holed up in a hotel in Porto Alegre while he recovered.

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.

TOM SANDERSON IN SAO PAULO: And so they meet again. On this occasion, for a place in the Copa America final. Yet far more than the chance to face either Chile or Peru will be at stake.

The Manchester United forward fired his country into the last four by netting the winning penalty in a shootout against Colombia on Saturday.

Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazilian 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli. The youngster is one of the most promising talents in his homeland and bases his game on Cristiano Ronaldo.  

Brazil and arch-rivals Argentina will go head to head for a place in the Copa America final. For live updates from the semi-final, follow the action with Sportsmail's SAM MCEVOY...

TOM SANDERSON AT MINEIRAO STADIUM: Here it was, the one they had all been waiting for. A semi-final showdown between the two biggest rivals in international football. 

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni claimed his side deserved to reach the Copa America final in the wake of their 2-0 defeat by Brazil. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino sealed victory.

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.

Lionel Messi blasted 'bulls***' refereeing and accused officials of favouring Brazil after Argentina were dumped out of the Copa America at the semi-final stage on Tuesday night.

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.

When five-time Ballon d'Or winner and Barcelona star Lionel Messi eventually hangs up his boots, he might just have one huge regret lingering in the back of his mind.

TOM SANDERSON IN BRAZIL: Naturally, the Argentine press dug its heels in over the hours that followed yet another big stage disappointment. Messi, they feel, can lead new generation to glory.

Argentina and Lionel Messi remain optimistic about their future despite another year without a trophy. There is some hope despite the team's 2-0 loss to Brazil.

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.

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.

Brazil took on Peru in the Copa America final at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night. Brazil won their first Copa America trophy since 2007.

Gabriel Jesus raged after being sent off in the Copa America final win over Peru and burst into tears on the steps of the Maracana. 

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.

The 25-year-old Juventus star netted Argentina's second goal against Chile in the 22nd minute as they won 2-1, with Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero scoring the opener.

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.

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.

Brazilian right-back Daniel Alves is on his way to Europe to listen to offers, according to globoesporte.globo.com. He willl consider his options after his contract with PSG expired.

Messi was left incandescent with the performance of referee Roddy Zambrano and the use of VAR and did not hold back in his post-match assessment after their defeat by Brazil.

Premier League stars Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho joined their team-mates to celebrate Brazil's Copa America success on Wednesday. 

Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign emerging Japanese talent Hiroki Abe from Kashima Antlers, the J-League club said on Friday.

Lionel Messi has been recuperating on a family holiday after the disappointment of Argentina's Copa America semi-final defeat by Brazil.

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.

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.