Peru stunned defending champions Chile 3-0 to reach the final of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-beat-argentina-2-0-to-reach-final-messi-blames-bad-refereeing-232618"> Copa America for the first time</a> in 44 years on Wednesday.

Goals from Edison Flores, Yoshimar Yotun and Paolo Guerrero handed Peru a deserved win which sends them into a final against Brazil at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday.

The stunning upset prevented <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-chile-beat-colombia-on-penalties-to-reach-semifinal-231415">Chile's golden generation from challenging</a> for a third straight title, following their wins over Argentina in 2015 and 2016.

Instead, the finalists from the previous two editions will meet in Saturday's third-place play-off in Sao Paulo.

Little was expected of Peru in the knock-out stages after they ended the group phase with a humbling 5-0 thrashing by Brazil.

But after riding their luck -&nbsp;and being saved by VAR three times -&nbsp;to beat Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-final, they were a completely rejuvenated outfit in Porto Alegre.

Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, the villain of that 5-0 defeat, was again faultless, as he had been in the quarter-final when decisively saving Luis Suarez's shoot-out penalty.

He again saved a penalty and made a number of other vital stops.

From the start, Peru dominated the reigning champions, with Christian Cueva wastefully shooting wide two minutes in after he was tied up in space by his captain Guerrero.

On seven minutes Chile's Charles Aranguiz started and finished a superb passing move involving Alexis Sanchez and Jean Beausejour, by placing a precise shot just past the post.

Flores took advantage of an Erick Pulgar slip in midfield to dart towards goal but he dragged his weak shot woefully wide.

But a minute later he was alone at the back post to lash home left-footed from an Andre Carillo flick on from Cueva's cross.

- Timely intervention - 
Striker Guerrero made a timely intervention in his own area to prevent a Sanchez corner from sneaking in at the near post.

Yotun doubled the lead on 38 minutes after punishing Chile goalkeeper Gabriel Arias's rush of blood to the head.

Carillo chased a long ball down the right-hand side and beat Arias, who ill-advisedly had charged from his area, to the ball before picking out Yotun on the edge of the 18-yard area.

Faced with four back-tracking defenders, Yotun calmly controlled the ball on his chest and sent a low volley straight down the middle of the empty goal.

Equally importantly was Gallese's one-hand save to tip over a Jose Fuenzalida volley a minute before the break.

A 2-0 half-time lead was the least Peru deserved after an enterprising performance against tentative opponents.

Chile were a lick of paint away from getting back into the match on 51 minutes when Eduardo Vargas's flicked header beat Gallese but agonisingly came back off the post.

Peru should have put the game to bed on a rapier counter-attack on the hour but Guerrero and Cueva passed rather than shooting and Yotun ballooned over from six yards with the goal gaping.

Peru started sitting deeper, inviting Chile to attack and Aranguiz sent a rasping shot whistling past the top corner with Gallese a mere spectator.

Gallese then tipped over a looping volley from Beausejour and 15 minutes from time he stayed big to block a shot from Vargas one-on-one.

He was unbeatable and dived low to his right to palm out a venomous Sanchez effort from 20 yards.

Guerrero put the icing on the cake in injury time after rounding Arias, but Gallese had the last word from the penalty spot.

Peru stunned defending champions Chile 3-0 to reach the final of the Copa America for the first time in 44 years on Wednesday. Goals from Edison Flores, Yoshimar Yotun and Paolo Guerrero handed Peru a deserved win which sends them into a final against Brazil at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday.

Peru stunned defending champions Chile 3-0 to reach the final of the Copa America for the first time in 44 years on Wednesday. Goals from Edison Flores, Yoshimar Yotun and Paolo Guerrero handed Peru a deserved win which sends them into a final against Brazil at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday. The stunning upset prevented Chile's golden generation from challenging for a third straight title, following their wins over Argentina in 2015 and 2016. Instead, the finalists from the previous two editions will meet in Saturday's third-place play-off in Sao Paulo. Little was expected of Peru in the knock-out stages after they ended the group phase with a humbling 5-0 thrashing by Brazil. But after riding their luck - and being saved by VAR three times - to beat Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-final, they were a completely rejuvenated outfit in Porto Alegre. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, the villain of that 5-0 defeat, was again faultless, as he had been in the quarter-final when decisively saving Luis Suarez's shoot-out penalty. He again saved a penalty and made a number of other vital stops. From the start, Peru dominated the reigning champions, with Christian Cueva wastefully shooting wide two minutes in after he was tied up in space by his captain Guerrero. On seven minutes Chile's Charles Aranguiz started and finished a superb passing move involving Alexis Sanchez and Jean Beausejour, by placing a precise shot just past the post. Flores took advantage of an Erick Pulgar slip in midfield to dart towards goal but he dragged his weak shot woefully wide. But a minute later he was alone at the back post to lash home left-footed from an Andre Carillo flick on from Cueva's cross. - Timely intervention - Striker Guerrero made a timely intervention in his own area to prevent a Sanchez corner from sneaking in at the near post. Yotun doubled the lead on 38 minutes after punishing Chile goalkeeper Gabriel Arias's rush of blood to the head. Carillo chased a long ball down the right-hand side and beat Arias, who ill-advisedly had charged from his area, to the ball before picking out Yotun on the edge of the 18-yard area. Faced with four back-tracking defenders, Yotun calmly controlled the ball on his chest and sent a low volley straight down the middle of the empty goal. Equally importantly was Gallese's one-hand save to tip over a Jose Fuenzalida volley a minute before the break. A 2-0 half-time lead was the least Peru deserved after an enterprising performance against tentative opponents. Chile were a lick of paint away from getting back into the match on 51 minutes when Eduardo Vargas's flicked header beat Gallese but agonisingly came back off the post. Peru should have put the game to bed on a rapier counter-attack on the hour but Guerrero and Cueva passed rather than shooting and Yotun ballooned over from six yards with the goal gaping. Peru started sitting deeper, inviting Chile to attack and Aranguiz sent a rasping shot whistling past the top corner with Gallese a mere spectator. Gallese then tipped over a looping volley from Beausejour and 15 minutes from time he stayed big to block a shot from Vargas one-on-one. He was unbeatable and dived low to his right to palm out a venomous Sanchez effort from 20 yards. Guerrero put the icing on the cake in injury time after rounding Arias, but Gallese had the last word from the penalty spot.

Peru stun defending champions Chile to enter Copa America final

Lionel Messi vowed to extend his international career after yet another bid to win a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-beat-argentina-2-0-to-reach-final-messi-blames-bad-refereeing-232618">major title with Argentina ended in failure</a> at the Copa America on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Barcelona star, who infamously quit international football after Argentina's defeat in the 2016 Copa America Centenario final, said he had no plans to hang up his boots after a 2-0 semi-final loss to Brazil.

"If I can still help in any way, I will continue to do so. I feel really good in this group," said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"This is a good, talented generation who showed that they love the national team," he added.&nbsp;

"They have a future and great foundations, they just need to be given time."

Messi will get another chance to break his tournament duck next year when the Copa America takes place in Argentina and Colombia, with the 2022 World Cup looming further on the horizon.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni meanwhile insisted his new-look squad had a bright future despite the defeat.

"Without a doubt, today we showed that this group of players feel the jersey like no-one else," he said.

"We showed an image for the future of this squad and these players and the great path they are on.

"To play in this stadium, in these conditions and to be superior to our opponents.

"It doesn't matter because they're going to the final but if we're aware of what we did today then there's only positives."

He said the defeat was "unfair" claiming that "no other team has created as many goalscoring chances against Brazil as we did."

Messi's best chance came on 57 minutes when he volleyed against the post. Scaloni said the veteran was Argentina's "standard-bearer."

"Brazil were continuously trying to stop passes from reaching him and we kept looking for ways to get him the ball," Scaloni said.

"It was thrilling to see him play. It didn't work out today but he'll have his rematch and the whole squad will have their rematch."

Scaloni was unhappy with some of Ecuadoran referee Roddy Zambrano's decisions, not least the fact that Argentina picked up six bookings to Brazil's two.

"I didn't like the referee, I don't usually make those comments," he said.

"I don't think he was qualified for a match of this level."

He added: "If a midfielder player is on a yellow card this changes things. There were a lot of small details where the match started to lose its balance because of those decisions."

Lionel Messi vowed to extend his international career after yet another bid to win a major title with Argentina ended in failure at the Copa America on Tuesday. The 32-year-old Barcelona star, who infamously quit international football after Argentina's defeat in the 2016 Copa America Centenario final, said he had no plans to hang up his boots after a 2-0 semi-final loss to Brazil.

Lionel Messi vowed to extend his international career after yet another bid to win a major title with Argentina ended in failure at the Copa America on Tuesday. The 32-year-old Barcelona star, who infamously quit international football after Argentina's defeat in the 2016 Copa America Centenario final, said he had no plans to hang up his boots after a 2-0 semi-final loss to Brazil. "If I can still help in any way, I will continue to do so. I feel really good in this group," said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. "This is a good, talented generation who showed that they love the national team," he added. "They have a future and great foundations, they just need to be given time." Messi will get another chance to break his tournament duck next year when the Copa America takes place in Argentina and Colombia, with the 2022 World Cup looming further on the horizon. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni meanwhile insisted his new-look squad had a bright future despite the defeat. "Without a doubt, today we showed that this group of players feel the jersey like no-one else," he said. "We showed an image for the future of this squad and these players and the great path they are on. "To play in this stadium, in these conditions and to be superior to our opponents. "It doesn't matter because they're going to the final but if we're aware of what we did today then there's only positives." He said the defeat was "unfair" claiming that "no other team has created as many goalscoring chances against Brazil as we did." Messi's best chance came on 57 minutes when he volleyed against the post. Scaloni said the veteran was Argentina's "standard-bearer." "Brazil were continuously trying to stop passes from reaching him and we kept looking for ways to get him the ball," Scaloni said. "It was thrilling to see him play. It didn't work out today but he'll have his rematch and the whole squad will have their rematch." Scaloni was unhappy with some of Ecuadoran referee Roddy Zambrano's decisions, not least the fact that Argentina picked up six bookings to Brazil's two. "I didn't like the referee, I don't usually make those comments," he said. "I don't think he was qualified for a match of this level." He added: "If a midfielder player is on a yellow card this changes things. There were a lot of small details where the match started to lose its balance because of those decisions."

Lionel Messi vows to play on after latest Argentina heartache

Brazil advanced to the Copa America final with a 2-0 win over old rivals Argentina on Tuesday in a pulsating and, at times, bad-tempered match decided by a goal in each half from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino.

Both sides tried to impose themselves physically early on but it was Jesus who gave Brazil the lead after 19 minutes when Firmino sent in a low cross for the unmarked striker to side-foot home from close range.

The two combined again on the counterattack after 71 minutes to make it 2-0 after great work from Jesus left Firmino with the simplest of tap-ins.

Brazil, who have lost twice in 42 games under coach Tite, will face either Peru or Chile in Sunday's final at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro and captain Dani Alves said their goal was within reach.

"There is one more step to go before we fulfil our objective," he added.

"The standard here is very high there are no easy teams. You have to work and fight for what you want and we worked for this," Alves said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-players-want-to-win-copa-for-lionel-messi-says-coach-scaloni-232236">Argentina </a>have not beaten Brazil in a major competitive fixture dating back to 2005 and that run rarely looked like ending in front of 52,000 fans at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte.

Sergio Aguero hit the bar with a header in the first half and Lionel Messi struck the post 11 minutes into the second period but the visitors had little luck in front of goal and were never on top for any length of time.

While the tournament has been plagued by lengthy stoppages for the video assistant referee (VAR), Tuesday's officials preferred to let the game run, though Argentina were incensed VAR did not come into play when Arthur felled one of their players at a corner.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-messi-cannot-be-neutralised-says-brazil-coach-tite-232345">Messi</a>, who has still not won a major title with Argentina, was more influential than in his first few matches here but was still a pale shadow of the player who has won everything with his club side.

"We had chances, the ball hit the woodwork, it flashed across the six-yard box, there were penalties that weren’t given," said Messi, who like coach Lionel Scaloni complained about the refereeing.

"Today it just didn’t happen," he added.

Argentina bow out after scoring just five goals in five games and are still looking for their first major title since lifting the Copa America in 1993.

"We knew that it would be difficult because of the players they have," Brazil's Casemiro said.

"It’s about details. We knew it would be scrappy and that there would be wind-ups and time-wasting. But we have to congratulate our strikers who did a great job. When they got chances, they scored," added&nbsp;Casemiro.

Brazil advanced to the Copa America final with a 2-0 win over old rivals Argentina on Tuesday in a pulsating and, at times, bad-tempered match decided by a goal in each half from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino.

Brazil advanced to the Copa America final with a 2-0 win over old rivals Argentina on Tuesday in a pulsating and, at times, bad-tempered match decided by a goal in each half from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino. Both sides tried to impose themselves physically early on but it was Jesus who gave Brazil the lead after 19 minutes when Firmino sent in a low cross for the unmarked striker to side-foot home from close range. The two combined again on the counterattack after 71 minutes to make it 2-0 after great work from Jesus left Firmino with the simplest of tap-ins. Brazil, who have lost twice in 42 games under coach Tite, will face either Peru or Chile in Sunday's final at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro and captain Dani Alves said their goal was within reach. "There is one more step to go before we fulfil our objective," he added. "The standard here is very high there are no easy teams. You have to work and fight for what you want and we worked for this," Alves said. Argentina have not beaten Brazil in a major competitive fixture dating back to 2005 and that run rarely looked like ending in front of 52,000 fans at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte. Sergio Aguero hit the bar with a header in the first half and Lionel Messi struck the post 11 minutes into the second period but the visitors had little luck in front of goal and were never on top for any length of time. While the tournament has been plagued by lengthy stoppages for the video assistant referee (VAR), Tuesday's officials preferred to let the game run, though Argentina were incensed VAR did not come into play when Arthur felled one of their players at a corner. Messi, who has still not won a major title with Argentina, was more influential than in his first few matches here but was still a pale shadow of the player who has won everything with his club side. "We had chances, the ball hit the woodwork, it flashed across the six-yard box, there were penalties that weren’t given," said Messi, who like coach Lionel Scaloni complained about the refereeing. "Today it just didn’t happen," he added. Argentina bow out after scoring just five goals in five games and are still looking for their first major title since lifting the Copa America in 1993. "We knew that it would be difficult because of the players they have," Brazil's Casemiro said. "It’s about details. We knew it would be scrappy and that there would be wind-ups and time-wasting. But we have to congratulate our strikers who did a great job. When they got chances, they scored," added Casemiro.

Copa America: Brazil beat Argentina 2-0 to reach final, Messi blames bad refereeing

Colombia national soccer team player William Tesillo told local media that he has been threatened via social media after his missed penalty kick in a Copa America&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-chile-beat-colombia-on-penalties-to-reach-semifinal-231415&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinw_Oby5XjAhWLMI8KHbJPBCEQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3c_LJoGp17QqNxbCY5uHQS">shoot-out with Chile</a> last week cost Colombia the chance to remain in the tournament.

Tesillo's wife Daniela Mejia over the weekend published a screenshot on her Instagram of a message wishing her husband the same fate as Andres Escobar, a Colombian player shot to death after he made an own-goal in a match during the 1994 World Cup.

"They've written to my wife and she published it. They've written to me too," the 29-year-old defender told the local El Pais newspaper in comments published late on Sunday.

Sources with the national police told Reuters they are investigating intimidation via social media directed at the player and his family, but that they haven't opened a formal investigation because Tesillo has not lodged a complaint.

Tesillo's father told local radio the family is counting on God to touch the hearts of people who have written tasteless messages.

"I hope they understand it's football," the elder Tesillo told Caracol Radio.

Colombia national soccer team player William Tesillo told local media that he has been threatened via social media after his missed penalty kick in a Copa America shoot-out with Chile last week cost Colombia the chance to remain in the tournament.

Colombia national soccer team player William Tesillo told local media that he has been threatened via social media after his missed penalty kick in a Copa America shoot-out with Chile last week cost Colombia the chance to remain in the tournament. Tesillo's wife Daniela Mejia over the weekend published a screenshot on her Instagram of a message wishing her husband the same fate as Andres Escobar, a Colombian player shot to death after he made an own-goal in a match during the 1994 World Cup. "They've written to my wife and she published it. They've written to me too," the 29-year-old defender told the local El Pais newspaper in comments published late on Sunday. Sources with the national police told Reuters they are investigating intimidation via social media directed at the player and his family, but that they haven't opened a formal investigation because Tesillo has not lodged a complaint. Tesillo's father told local radio the family is counting on God to touch the hearts of people who have written tasteless messages. "I hope they understand it's football," the elder Tesillo told Caracol Radio.

Colombia's William Tesillo threatened after he missed penalty against Chile in Copa

Lionel Messi has agreed to sacrifice his usual buccaneering style of play for the greater good of his team, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said ahead of Tuesday's crunch Copa America semi-final against Brazil.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-lionel-messi-looks-out-of-touch-as-argentina-reach-semifinals-231392&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjU-P_kyJXjAhWJQ48KHTlBCogQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Ux-oJDaWzHWJQxKyEKTJo">Messi </a>has not been able to conjure up the same attacking flair at the Copa America that he regularly produces for Barcelona, scoring only one goal in four games and struggling to create chances for his fellow attackers.

But Scaloni believes the five-times world player of the year can offer just as much value to his country as a workhorse.

"We are used to seeing him score three goals in every game and dribble past five players, but we are asking him to do something different and we are more than happy with the job he is doing," Scaloni told a news conference on Monday.

"He has embraced the workload, he is our flagbearer," Scaloni said.

Messi threatened to quit the Argentina team after losing the 2016 Copa America final to Chile on penalties and took a break after the 2018 World Cup before returning to the side in March.

Scaloni said his presence has reinvigorated the rest of the squad.

"The players love <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-were-playing-on-terrible-pitches-says-argentinas-lionel-messi-231100&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjU-P_kyJXjAhWJQ48KHTlBCogQFjACegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0o-hmpx7dwYqTCIzSxa1u1">Messi </a>so much that sometimes they say they want to win the tournament just for him," Scaloni said.

"The best player in football's history is lacking a trophy with Argentina, but we all want to win, not just him,"&nbsp;Scaloni added.

Scaloni has chopped and changed his side throughout the Copa America but seemed to stumble upon an effective formula in the 2-0 quarter-final win against Venezuela with Lautaro Martinez and Sergio Aguero joining Messi in the attack.

The coach, who had never taken charge of a team before getting the Argentina job last August, confirmed Aguero would start again but said he had not yet decided on his final team for the semi-final, where they face a tough task.

Argentina lost the 2007 and 2004 Copa America finals to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-reach-semi-final-with-shootout-win-over-paraguay-231055&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjxjuv9yJXjAhUEaI8KHdWXD3AQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3m_oRhMndrWvg3MQyMh9ZU">Brazil </a>and have not won against their fierce rivals in a competitive game since a 3-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier in 2005.

"Brazil are looking very strong at the moment, they have been playing together for a long time," added Scaloni.

"We think we can go through, but they're at home, playing their Copa America and the numbers speak for themselves," said&nbsp;Scaloni.

Lionel Messi has agreed to sacrifice his usual buccaneering style of play for the greater good of his team, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said ahead of Tuesday's crunch Copa America semi-final against Brazil.

Lionel Messi has agreed to sacrifice his usual buccaneering style of play for the greater good of his team, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said ahead of Tuesday's crunch Copa America semi-final against Brazil. Messi has not been able to conjure up the same attacking flair at the Copa America that he regularly produces for Barcelona, scoring only one goal in four games and struggling to create chances for his fellow attackers. But Scaloni believes the five-times world player of the year can offer just as much value to his country as a workhorse. "We are used to seeing him score three goals in every game and dribble past five players, but we are asking him to do something different and we are more than happy with the job he is doing," Scaloni told a news conference on Monday. "He has embraced the workload, he is our flagbearer," Scaloni said. Messi threatened to quit the Argentina team after losing the 2016 Copa America final to Chile on penalties and took a break after the 2018 World Cup before returning to the side in March. Scaloni said his presence has reinvigorated the rest of the squad. "The players love Messi so much that sometimes they say they want to win the tournament just for him," Scaloni said. "The best player in football's history is lacking a trophy with Argentina, but we all want to win, not just him," Scaloni added. Scaloni has chopped and changed his side throughout the Copa America but seemed to stumble upon an effective formula in the 2-0 quarter-final win against Venezuela with Lautaro Martinez and Sergio Aguero joining Messi in the attack. The coach, who had never taken charge of a team before getting the Argentina job last August, confirmed Aguero would start again but said he had not yet decided on his final team for the semi-final, where they face a tough task. Argentina lost the 2007 and 2004 Copa America finals to Brazil and have not won against their fierce rivals in a competitive game since a 3-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier in 2005. "Brazil are looking very strong at the moment, they have been playing together for a long time," added Scaloni. "We think we can go through, but they're at home, playing their Copa America and the numbers speak for themselves," said Scaloni.

Argentina players want to win Copa for Lionel Messi, says coach Scaloni

As Argentina and Brazil get ready to lock horns in the Copa America semi-final, Brazil's head coach Tite praised Lionel Messi, saying the forward cannot be neutralised.

He even compared <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-players-want-to-win-copa-for-lionel-messi-says-coach-scaloni-232236&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwixrreagpbjAhVKQI8KHa1ZDxUQFjAFegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kUoR_6wag3Bv4MT0mo5Ze">Messi </a>to Brazil's Philippe Coutinho and said such strikers can become decisive in such a big tournament.

"You don't cancel out Messi, no, you can slow his actions, but you cannot neutralise his actions," Goal.com quoted Tite as saying.

"Just as Philippe Coutinho does not neutralise himself, Roberto Firmino, David Neres. They will, at some point, be decisive."

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-lionel-messi-looks-out-of-touch-as-argentina-reach-semifinals-231392&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwixrreagpbjAhVKQI8KHa1ZDxUQFjAEegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29o5G4A6whVauYenEBekwT">Messi </a>has not been in good form in the ongoing Copa America, but his side Argentina has somehow managed to scrape through to the semi-final stage.

The striker has scored just once for the team in the tournament, as he registered a goal against Paraguay.

Argentina went on to defeat Venezuela 2-0 in the quarter-finals.

The team was struggling to go past the group stage featuring Paraguay, Colombia and Qatar, but they defeated Qatar in their final to progress to the quarter-final stage.

On the other hand, Brazil has had a good campaign in the tournament so far.

The side defeated Paraguay in the quarter-finals 4-3 in penalties.

Tite praised the Brazilian crowd for the support they have shown towards the side in Copa America and he hoped for fans to keep cheering on the side in the semis.

"If the fans can bring all the affection they have given us when we arrived at the hotel to the stadium, it will leave me and all the players gratified and strengthened," Tite said.

Brazil takes on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/martinez-lo-celso-goals-earn-argentina-copa-semi-against-brazil-231338&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwixrreagpbjAhVKQI8KHa1ZDxUQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1izmvJdw0TefeLXKl9yDNH">Argentina </a>in the Copa America semi-final later today.

As Argentina and Brazil get ready to lock horns in the Copa America semi-final, Brazil's head coach Tite praised Lionel Messi, saying the forward cannot be neutralised.

As Argentina and Brazil get ready to lock horns in the Copa America semi-final, Brazil's head coach Tite praised Lionel Messi, saying the forward cannot be neutralised. He even compared Messi to Brazil's Philippe Coutinho and said such strikers can become decisive in such a big tournament. "You don't cancel out Messi, no, you can slow his actions, but you cannot neutralise his actions," Goal.com quoted Tite as saying. "Just as Philippe Coutinho does not neutralise himself, Roberto Firmino, David Neres. They will, at some point, be decisive." Messi has not been in good form in the ongoing Copa America, but his side Argentina has somehow managed to scrape through to the semi-final stage. The striker has scored just once for the team in the tournament, as he registered a goal against Paraguay. Argentina went on to defeat Venezuela 2-0 in the quarter-finals. The team was struggling to go past the group stage featuring Paraguay, Colombia and Qatar, but they defeated Qatar in their final to progress to the quarter-final stage. On the other hand, Brazil has had a good campaign in the tournament so far. The side defeated Paraguay in the quarter-finals 4-3 in penalties. Tite praised the Brazilian crowd for the support they have shown towards the side in Copa America and he hoped for fans to keep cheering on the side in the semis. "If the fans can bring all the affection they have given us when we arrived at the hotel to the stadium, it will leave me and all the players gratified and strengthened," Tite said. Brazil takes on Argentina in the Copa America semi-final later today.

Copa America: Messi cannot be neutralised, says Brazil coach Tite

For the last dozen years, Argentina has been waiting for global superstar Lionel Messi to lead their football team to a major international trophy.

But when the the country needed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner most, Messi failed to emulate the feats of Diego Maradona in 1986 -- when for some he almost single-handedly won the World Cup.

Four times Messi has lined up with Argentina in a major final -- the 2014 World Cup and Copa America in 2007, 2015 and 2016 -- but every time they have lost.

He has often come under criticism for failing to reproduce his Barcelona form when wearing the sky blue and white jersey of the national team.

Now, ahead of a mouth-watering Copa semi-final against hosts Brazil in Belo Horizonte, Argentines are simply waiting for Messi to turn up.

"This is the match for Messi to appear," screamed Ole newspaper's online edition after Argentina beat Venezuela 2-0 to secure the Brazil semi-final.

Ironically, at this tournament, while Argentina's performances have been improving steadily, Messi has, if anything, become less influential.

Argentina were all at sea in their opening 2-0 defeat to Colombia and needed a Messi penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw with Paraguay.

But in the 2-0 win over Qatar that qualified Argentina for the knock-out rounds, and the quarter-final victory over Venezuela by the same score, Messi became an increasingly peripheral figure.

'Not at my best'&nbsp;

He admitted as much after the Venezuela match, saying: "I'm not at my best level, I'm not playing how I hoped I would. I'm not having my best Copa America."

Brazil center-back Thiago Silva is not so convinced, though.

"For me, Messi is the best player in history, the best I've ever seen play. It's a privilege to play against him," said a player who hails from the country that produced Pele, Garincha, Socrates, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.

Messi turned 32 during the tournament and while he doesn't appear close to retirement, it cannot be too many years away.

His game has changed over the years and he no longer produces the same kind of, or quantity of, darting runs at the heart of opposition defences.&nbsp;

He plays deeper than he used to, passes more and is more selective with his runs.

He also rests more than he used to and took an eight-month break from the national team following the World Cup in Russia, only returning in March in a 3-1 friendly defeat to Venezuela.

But he is more than just the star of the team these days, he is the leader and captains both club and country.

During the club season, Messi took the lead in defending Philippe Coutinho, whom he will line up opposite on Tuesday, from criticism levelled at the Brazilian playmaker in the Catalan press.

Messi also defended Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde against the brickbats.

And here, while his and Argentina's attacking performances have been nothing to enthuse about, Messi took the time to praise the team's defensive efforts.

"Defensively we didn't have any problems and the team was very solid at all times," he said following the Venezuela victory, which he described as a "complete" performance.

'Essential contribution'&nbsp;

And Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledges that Messi brings much more than just brilliance on the field.

"For me he gives an essential contribution on the pitch, and if you saw everything he brings in the dressing room..." said Scaloni.

"Messi is Messi, he's the best."

Before the tournament began, much of the talk was about whether Messi could ever land the one thing missing from his impressive list of accolades: an international trophy.

He's won the Champions League four times, La Liga 10 times and the Copa del Rey six times with Barcelona, but nothing major with Argentina, who haven't won anything since 1993.

Tuesday's semi-final in Belo Horizonte looks tailor made for the Messi of old.

Brazil have yet to concede a goal in the competition but despite victories of 5-0 over Peru and 3-0 against Bolivia, they looked ponderous and lacking imagination in the 0-0 draws against Venezuela and Paraguay.

The semi-final promises to be a tight affair, in which a moment of Messi magic could be enough to settle it.

Argentina is waiting and praying for just such a moment.

For the last dozen years, Argentina has been waiting for global superstar Lionel Messi to lead their football team to a major international trophy. But when the the country needed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner most, Messi failed to emulate the feats of Diego Maradona in 1986 -- when for some he almost single-handedly won the World Cup.

For the last dozen years, Argentina has been waiting for global superstar Lionel Messi to lead their football team to a major international trophy. But when the the country needed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner most, Messi failed to emulate the feats of Diego Maradona in 1986 -- when for some he almost single-handedly won the World Cup. Four times Messi has lined up with Argentina in a major final -- the 2014 World Cup and Copa America in 2007, 2015 and 2016 -- but every time they have lost. He has often come under criticism for failing to reproduce his Barcelona form when wearing the sky blue and white jersey of the national team. Now, ahead of a mouth-watering Copa semi-final against hosts Brazil in Belo Horizonte, Argentines are simply waiting for Messi to turn up. "This is the match for Messi to appear," screamed Ole newspaper's online edition after Argentina beat Venezuela 2-0 to secure the Brazil semi-final. Ironically, at this tournament, while Argentina's performances have been improving steadily, Messi has, if anything, become less influential. Argentina were all at sea in their opening 2-0 defeat to Colombia and needed a Messi penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw with Paraguay. But in the 2-0 win over Qatar that qualified Argentina for the knock-out rounds, and the quarter-final victory over Venezuela by the same score, Messi became an increasingly peripheral figure. 'Not at my best' He admitted as much after the Venezuela match, saying: "I'm not at my best level, I'm not playing how I hoped I would. I'm not having my best Copa America." Brazil center-back Thiago Silva is not so convinced, though. "For me, Messi is the best player in history, the best I've ever seen play. It's a privilege to play against him," said a player who hails from the country that produced Pele, Garincha, Socrates, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Messi turned 32 during the tournament and while he doesn't appear close to retirement, it cannot be too many years away. His game has changed over the years and he no longer produces the same kind of, or quantity of, darting runs at the heart of opposition defences. He plays deeper than he used to, passes more and is more selective with his runs. He also rests more than he used to and took an eight-month break from the national team following the World Cup in Russia, only returning in March in a 3-1 friendly defeat to Venezuela. But he is more than just the star of the team these days, he is the leader and captains both club and country. During the club season, Messi took the lead in defending Philippe Coutinho, whom he will line up opposite on Tuesday, from criticism levelled at the Brazilian playmaker in the Catalan press. Messi also defended Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde against the brickbats. And here, while his and Argentina's attacking performances have been nothing to enthuse about, Messi took the time to praise the team's defensive efforts. "Defensively we didn't have any problems and the team was very solid at all times," he said following the Venezuela victory, which he described as a "complete" performance. 'Essential contribution' And Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledges that Messi brings much more than just brilliance on the field. "For me he gives an essential contribution on the pitch, and if you saw everything he brings in the dressing room..." said Scaloni. "Messi is Messi, he's the best." Before the tournament began, much of the talk was about whether Messi could ever land the one thing missing from his impressive list of accolades: an international trophy. He's won the Champions League four times, La Liga 10 times and the Copa del Rey six times with Barcelona, but nothing major with Argentina, who haven't won anything since 1993. Tuesday's semi-final in Belo Horizonte looks tailor made for the Messi of old. Brazil have yet to concede a goal in the competition but despite victories of 5-0 over Peru and 3-0 against Bolivia, they looked ponderous and lacking imagination in the 0-0 draws against Venezuela and Paraguay. The semi-final promises to be a tight affair, in which a moment of Messi magic could be enough to settle it. Argentina is waiting and praying for just such a moment.

Argentina waiting for Messi magic to make an appearance

Luis Suarez broke down in tears after his shootout miss saw Uruguay dumped out of the Copa America by unfancied Peru on Saturday, the 15 times champions losing 5-4 on penalties after having three goals ruled out in a scoreless draw.

Suarez spurned the first penalty of the shootout, his effort bouncing off the chest of Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, to complete a frustrating evening for Uruguay's all-time top scorer, who also had a goal ruled out for offside.

Every other player converted their spot kicks and Edison Flores sealed Peru's place in the last four by blasting past Fernando Muslera.

Suarez, who rushed back to full fitness after undergoing knee surgery in May in order to make it for the Copa, covered his face with his shirt and was consoled by teammates after the shootout defeat.

"Luis was very sad, he ended up missing in a decisive moment but that's football and life," Edinson Cavani told reporters.

"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We have won the Copa before but today we have to accept that we are out."

Peru will face neighbours Chile in the last four, with tournament hosts Brazil meeting arch-rivals Argentina in the other semi-final clash.

"I am very proud. I am speechless," said striker Paolo Guerrero after scoring in the shootout.

"People said before Uruguay were the favourites but being favourites means nothing in football, especially in South America."

Uruguay dominated the play during the game but Cavani, Giorgian de Arrascaeta and then Suarez all had goals chalked off for offside which were each verified by VAR checks.

They became the third team in this tournament to lose a quarter-final tie on penalties after a goalless draw after Paraguay were beaten by Brazil and Chile beat Colombia on spot-kicks.

There is no extra time in Copa America quarter-finals in the event of a draw, although 30 minutes will be added on in the semi-finals and final if necessary.

Uruguay defender Diego Godin lamented his side's inability to convert their chances.

"We were just missing a goal, we kept looking for it but it didn't come and if we had scored it would have been a different game," he said.

"We played well, but unfortunately we've been knocked out. We couldn't score and they struck their penalties better than we did."

Uruguay won the Copa America for a record 15th time in 2011 but they have underachieved in their last three appearances, losing to Chile in the last eight in 2015 and exiting in the group stage in 2016.

"This is a huge disappointment because we came here wanting to win and we tried to impose ourselves on the game," added Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez.

"We have to accept the defeat and congratulate Peru because they didn't do anything against the rules. They tried to slow down the game and they didn't take risks, something we have done many times before."

Luis Suarez broke down in tears after his shootout miss saw Uruguay dumped out of the Copa America by unfancied Peru on Saturday, the 15 times champions losing 5-4 on penalties after having three goals ruled out in a scoreless draw.

Luis Suarez broke down in tears after his shootout miss saw Uruguay dumped out of the Copa America by unfancied Peru on Saturday, the 15 times champions losing 5-4 on penalties after having three goals ruled out in a scoreless draw. Suarez spurned the first penalty of the shootout, his effort bouncing off the chest of Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, to complete a frustrating evening for Uruguay's all-time top scorer, who also had a goal ruled out for offside. Every other player converted their spot kicks and Edison Flores sealed Peru's place in the last four by blasting past Fernando Muslera. Suarez, who rushed back to full fitness after undergoing knee surgery in May in order to make it for the Copa, covered his face with his shirt and was consoled by teammates after the shootout defeat. "Luis was very sad, he ended up missing in a decisive moment but that's football and life," Edinson Cavani told reporters. "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We have won the Copa before but today we have to accept that we are out." Peru will face neighbours Chile in the last four, with tournament hosts Brazil meeting arch-rivals Argentina in the other semi-final clash. "I am very proud. I am speechless," said striker Paolo Guerrero after scoring in the shootout. "People said before Uruguay were the favourites but being favourites means nothing in football, especially in South America." Uruguay dominated the play during the game but Cavani, Giorgian de Arrascaeta and then Suarez all had goals chalked off for offside which were each verified by VAR checks. They became the third team in this tournament to lose a quarter-final tie on penalties after a goalless draw after Paraguay were beaten by Brazil and Chile beat Colombia on spot-kicks. There is no extra time in Copa America quarter-finals in the event of a draw, although 30 minutes will be added on in the semi-finals and final if necessary. Uruguay defender Diego Godin lamented his side's inability to convert their chances. "We were just missing a goal, we kept looking for it but it didn't come and if we had scored it would have been a different game," he said. "We played well, but unfortunately we've been knocked out. We couldn't score and they struck their penalties better than we did." Uruguay won the Copa America for a record 15th time in 2011 but they have underachieved in their last three appearances, losing to Chile in the last eight in 2015 and exiting in the group stage in 2016. "This is a huge disappointment because we came here wanting to win and we tried to impose ourselves on the game," added Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez. "We have to accept the defeat and congratulate Peru because they didn't do anything against the rules. They tried to slow down the game and they didn't take risks, something we have done many times before."

Copa America: Luis Suarez devastated as shootout miss sees Uruguay crash out

Champions Chile maintained their hopes of a third straight Copa America victory after beating Colombia on penalties on Friday to reach the semi-finals.

Chile could have won the game in normal time but had two goals ruled out for marginal decisions in a scoreless draw, before Alexis Sanchez stroked home the winning spot-kick.

It was just rewarding for the champions after dominating a match in which Colombia held on thanks to a couple of tight VAR calls.

Charles Aranguiz had a goal ruled out in the first half for a marginal offside against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-alexis-sanchez-strikes-again-to-take-chile-into-quarters-229418&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGoODWio7jAhUTk3AKHWFNAYkQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Uct2rjBNMMYKCsvAx-2wK">Sanchez </a>in the build-up to the move.

And after Arturo Vidal shot low into the far corner on 70 minutes, that was chalked off for a handball against Guillermo Maripan, who had teed up the Barcelona midfielder.

Following eight successful penalties, William Tesillo casually put his effort wide for Colombia, leaving Sanchez to be the hero, as the Manchester United forward continues to make up in Brazil for a dreadful club season.

"We dominated practically the whole match. It was a great match against a team with a lot of quality," said Vidal.

"We scored two goals that unfortunately VAR annulled. We deserved to have won in normal time, we couldn't, but we managed to score the five penalties and went into the next round," he added.

They will face either Uruguay, who beat them 1-0 in the group stages on Monday, or Peru in Wednesday's semi-final in Porto Alegre.

"Penalties are more in the hands of God than the players, that's the way they've always been and always will be," moaned Colombia coach Carlos Queiroz.

Chile bemused&nbsp; 
 
The first half was dominated by Chile's 16th-minute goal being controversially disallowed.

Jean Beausejour made a surging, overlapping run down the left and his inviting cross was spilled by Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina after Davinson Sanchez got in his way, allowing Aranguiz to nip in and slot home from a tight angle.

But much to the bemusement of many watching, the referee consulted <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-organisers-satisfied-with-use-of-var-despite-lengthy-delays-230565&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjN9cOui47jAhWMPY8KHfH4CFEQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zC3hV_1WlUy8b3P4NxQeT">VAR </a>and the goal was chalked off for the most marginal of offsides.

Until then, Colombia had been the better side. On five minutes, a Radamel Falcao cushioned header found Roger Martinez but the forward wanted an extra touch and his goal-bound volley was charged down.

James Rodriguez then had a free-kick in a dangerous position but failed to clear the defensive wall.

Ospina made an incredible one-handed save on 12 minutes to keep out an Eduardo Vargas header from a Jose Fuenzalida cross, but it wouldn't have counted anyway as the ball was deemed to have been out of play.

Soon after the disallowed goal tempers flared as Sanchez squared up to Wilmar Barrios, only to then find himself face-to-face with Colombia's giant centre-back Yerry Mina.

Chile were by now in control of proceedings and Maripan headed over from a Beausejour cross.

The champions were buzzing and Mauricio Isla threaded a through ball to Vargas, whose shot was blocked by a sliding Mina.

Chile were looking increasingly threatening as Sanchez fired wide, Fuenzalida had a shot blocked and Vidal went closest yet with a curler from 18 yards.

VAR saves Colombia again&nbsp; 
 
Colombia made a bright opening to the second period as Rodriguez curled a free-kick into the side-netting and Juan Cuadrado sliced well wide on a rapier counter-attack.

Ospina was having a jittery performance and needed two attempts to gather a long-range Vargas strike.

The best chance of the match came on the hour when Aranguiz slipped in Sanchez behind the defence but under pressure from a backtracking Davinson Sanchez, the Manchester United forward sliced his shot horribly wide.

When Chile had the ball in the net again on 70 minutes after Vidal fired home through a forest of legs into the far corner, Argentine referee Nestor Pitana again signalled to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-have-three-goals-denied-by-var-in-draw-with-venezuela-228581&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjN9cOui47jAhWMPY8KHfH4CFEQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ZDP0E4mKQrVHOajO0MgcN">VAR </a>and Colombia were reprieved for the second time.

Chile continued to boss proceedings right to the end but in the shoot-out, it was third time lucky as not even VAR could deny them victory this time.

Champions Chile maintained their hopes of a third straight Copa America victory after beating Colombia on penalties on Friday to reach the semi-finals. Chile could have won the game in normal time but had two goals ruled out for marginal decisions in a scoreless draw, before Alexis Sanchez stroked home the winning spot-kick.

Champions Chile maintained their hopes of a third straight Copa America victory after beating Colombia on penalties on Friday to reach the semi-finals. Chile could have won the game in normal time but had two goals ruled out for marginal decisions in a scoreless draw, before Alexis Sanchez stroked home the winning spot-kick. It was just rewarding for the champions after dominating a match in which Colombia held on thanks to a couple of tight VAR calls. Charles Aranguiz had a goal ruled out in the first half for a marginal offside against Sanchez in the build-up to the move. And after Arturo Vidal shot low into the far corner on 70 minutes, that was chalked off for a handball against Guillermo Maripan, who had teed up the Barcelona midfielder. Following eight successful penalties, William Tesillo casually put his effort wide for Colombia, leaving Sanchez to be the hero, as the Manchester United forward continues to make up in Brazil for a dreadful club season. "We dominated practically the whole match. It was a great match against a team with a lot of quality," said Vidal. "We scored two goals that unfortunately VAR annulled. We deserved to have won in normal time, we couldn't, but we managed to score the five penalties and went into the next round," he added. They will face either Uruguay, who beat them 1-0 in the group stages on Monday, or Peru in Wednesday's semi-final in Porto Alegre. "Penalties are more in the hands of God than the players, that's the way they've always been and always will be," moaned Colombia coach Carlos Queiroz. Chile bemused The first half was dominated by Chile's 16th-minute goal being controversially disallowed. Jean Beausejour made a surging, overlapping run down the left and his inviting cross was spilled by Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina after Davinson Sanchez got in his way, allowing Aranguiz to nip in and slot home from a tight angle. But much to the bemusement of many watching, the referee consulted VAR and the goal was chalked off for the most marginal of offsides. Until then, Colombia had been the better side. On five minutes, a Radamel Falcao cushioned header found Roger Martinez but the forward wanted an extra touch and his goal-bound volley was charged down. James Rodriguez then had a free-kick in a dangerous position but failed to clear the defensive wall. Ospina made an incredible one-handed save on 12 minutes to keep out an Eduardo Vargas header from a Jose Fuenzalida cross, but it wouldn't have counted anyway as the ball was deemed to have been out of play. Soon after the disallowed goal tempers flared as Sanchez squared up to Wilmar Barrios, only to then find himself face-to-face with Colombia's giant centre-back Yerry Mina. Chile were by now in control of proceedings and Maripan headed over from a Beausejour cross. The champions were buzzing and Mauricio Isla threaded a through ball to Vargas, whose shot was blocked by a sliding Mina. Chile were looking increasingly threatening as Sanchez fired wide, Fuenzalida had a shot blocked and Vidal went closest yet with a curler from 18 yards. VAR saves Colombia again Colombia made a bright opening to the second period as Rodriguez curled a free-kick into the side-netting and Juan Cuadrado sliced well wide on a rapier counter-attack. Ospina was having a jittery performance and needed two attempts to gather a long-range Vargas strike. The best chance of the match came on the hour when Aranguiz slipped in Sanchez behind the defence but under pressure from a backtracking Davinson Sanchez, the Manchester United forward sliced his shot horribly wide. When Chile had the ball in the net again on 70 minutes after Vidal fired home through a forest of legs into the far corner, Argentine referee Nestor Pitana again signalled to VAR and Colombia were reprieved for the second time. Chile continued to boss proceedings right to the end but in the shoot-out, it was third time lucky as not even VAR could deny them victory this time.

Copa America: Chile beat Colombia on penalties to reach semifinal

After carrying Argentina on his back so many times Lionel Messi could be forgiven for having an off day but while his teammates earned high praise for Friday's Copa America quarter-final win over Venezuela the captain did not look like his old self.

Argentina's all-time top scorer often loses out to Diego Maradona in debates over who is the country's best ever player due to his failure to inspire his nation to a major trophy.

While he usually looks to be playing on a different level to his international teammates, against Venezuela it was the five-times world player of the year who looked rusty, slow and the least likely to conjure up a moment of magic.

After four games at the Copa America, Messi has only scored once -- from the penalty spot -- and has not provided any assists, nor has he looked anything like the player who netted more goals than anyone in Europe in the last three seasons.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/martinez-lo-celso-goals-earn-argentina-copa-semi-against-brazil-231338">Argentina </a>could certainly do with him rediscovering his form in their next game, a semi-final with tournament hosts and arch-rivals Brazil.

Messi did play a supporting role in Argentina's opening strike against Venezuela, whipping in a cross which Sergio Aguero sent towards goal and Lautaro Martinez flicked into the net with his heel, but it was the only memorable moment of an ineffective display.

His passing was sloppy, his shots were frequently blocked and never troubled Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez, and he rarely managed to beat defenders as he usually does with such nonchalant ease.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni did not want to be drawn on Messi's poor display in the post-game news conference but said his presence alone is good for the team.

"Messi's contribution on the pitch is essential, if you could see what he gives us in the dressing room you'd think differently. I assure you it's great to have him here," Scaloni said.

When further pressed on Messi's poor form, Scaloni replied curtly,&nbsp;"All there is to say about Leo is he's the best in the world."

The poor state of the playing surfaces in Brazil also seem to have taken their toll on Messi.

"The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-were-playing-on-terrible-pitches-says-argentinas-lionel-messi-231100&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiIlPT7_43jAhUFtI8KHR4MDP8QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0M67OiMRDE0zvSewSeQObE">pitches here are shameful</a>, the ball is like a rabbit, it can go anywhere," he said.

"The conditions are very difficult and it's very hard to dribble properly. This cannot go on," said Scaloni.

After carrying Argentina on his back so many times Lionel Messi could be forgiven for having an off day but while his teammates earned high praise for Friday's Copa America quarter-final win over Venezuela the captain did not look like his old self.

After carrying Argentina on his back so many times Lionel Messi could be forgiven for having an off day but while his teammates earned high praise for Friday's Copa America quarter-final win over Venezuela the captain did not look like his old self. Argentina's all-time top scorer often loses out to Diego Maradona in debates over who is the country's best ever player due to his failure to inspire his nation to a major trophy. While he usually looks to be playing on a different level to his international teammates, against Venezuela it was the five-times world player of the year who looked rusty, slow and the least likely to conjure up a moment of magic. After four games at the Copa America, Messi has only scored once -- from the penalty spot -- and has not provided any assists, nor has he looked anything like the player who netted more goals than anyone in Europe in the last three seasons. Argentina could certainly do with him rediscovering his form in their next game, a semi-final with tournament hosts and arch-rivals Brazil. Messi did play a supporting role in Argentina's opening strike against Venezuela, whipping in a cross which Sergio Aguero sent towards goal and Lautaro Martinez flicked into the net with his heel, but it was the only memorable moment of an ineffective display. His passing was sloppy, his shots were frequently blocked and never troubled Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez, and he rarely managed to beat defenders as he usually does with such nonchalant ease. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni did not want to be drawn on Messi's poor display in the post-game news conference but said his presence alone is good for the team. "Messi's contribution on the pitch is essential, if you could see what he gives us in the dressing room you'd think differently. I assure you it's great to have him here," Scaloni said. When further pressed on Messi's poor form, Scaloni replied curtly, "All there is to say about Leo is he's the best in the world." The poor state of the playing surfaces in Brazil also seem to have taken their toll on Messi. "The pitches here are shameful, the ball is like a rabbit, it can go anywhere," he said. "The conditions are very difficult and it's very hard to dribble properly. This cannot go on," said Scaloni.

Copa America: Lionel Messi looks out of touch as Argentina reach semifinals

Argentina set up a mouth-watering Copa America semi-final against hosts Brazil as goals from Lautaro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso secured a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Venezuela on Friday.

Martinez gave Argentina a 10th minute lead with a clever back-flick between his legs and substitute Lo Celso secured the victory 16 minutes from time, pouncing on a mistake by Venezuela's goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium.

It was another improved performance from Lionel Scaloni's team who have grown into this tournament since beginning with a 2-0 defeat to Colombia and a 1-1 draw with Paraguay.

They are bidding to end a 26-year wait for a major international trophy. 
"We're Argentina and when there are knock-out matches, it makes us strong," said Sergio Aguero, who had a hand in both goals.

"It won't be easy in any way (against Brazil) but we're Argentina and we'll try to do justice to the jersey."

Fast start&nbsp;

Argentina started like a team determined to claim the prize at stake: a semi-final against their great rivals Brazil.

Martinez played in Aguero in the inside right channel after just three minutes but the Manchester City forward's low cross-shot was blocked by goalkeeper Farinez's foot.

Argentina should have gone in front when German Pezzella ran unmarked onto a flick-on at the back post but he seemed surprised and couldn't react in time with the goal gaping.

There was constant pressure on the Venezuelan backline as Argentina won a succession of corners.

They had 80 per cent of possession in the first 10 minutes and sure enough, Venezuela cracked.

Aguero's angled shot was heading well off target as it skidded into a crowd of players, but Martinez instinctively flicked it between his legs, nutmegging an unsighted Farinez.

It was the least Argentina deserved after such a furious start but gradually Venezuela started to settle and get a foothold in the match.

"We struggled to get a foothold in the match and by the time we got going, we were already behind and facing an uphill battle," complained Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel.

"Undoubtedly when looking back (on the tournament) we'll have a lot more positives than negatives," he added.

Chances were few and far between but Pezzella got up well to meet a Lionel Messi free-kick, only to head well over the top.

Defenders were proving the most dangerous players on the pitch and Jhon Chancellor rose highest to head over from a corner at the other end.

In first-half injury time, Martinez almost had a second put on a plate for him by Marcus Acuna, but Roberto Rosales whisked it off his toe at the back post, four yards from goal as Argentina finished the half with another burst of attacking intent.

Farinez blunder&nbsp;

Argentina made another fast start to the second half with Farinez having to punch away a wicked inswinging free-kick from Leandro Paredes, whose slide-rule pass then sent Martinez scampering into the box only to lash his shot against the outside of the post.

Aguero bundled through a number of flimsy challenges but overran the ball and Farinez gathered.

In Darwin Machis, Venezuela had a left winger with the beating of his marker Juan Foyth but the 'Vinotinto' ('Red wine') were unable to get him into the game.

And when they did, Foyth twice got away with robust challenges on the speedy forward inside the box.

The chance Venezuela had been waiting for came on 71 minutes when Tomas Rincon picked out Ronald Hernandez eight yards from goal at an angle, but he rushed his pushed volley and goalkeeper Franco Armani made a smart save.

The game was up three minutes later when Farinez spilled a shot from Aguero that was straight at him, presenting Lo Celso, who had cleverly followed the action from midfield, with a simple tap-in just six minutes after entering the fray.

Even as Venezuela pushed desperately looking for something, Argentina came closer to scoring again a couple of times through substitute Angel Di Maria, earning his 100th cap. 
&nbsp;

Argentina set up a mouth-watering Copa America semi-final against hosts Brazil as goals from Lautaro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso secured a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Venezuela on Friday.

Argentina set up a mouth-watering Copa America semi-final against hosts Brazil as goals from Lautaro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso secured a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Venezuela on Friday. Martinez gave Argentina a 10th minute lead with a clever back-flick between his legs and substitute Lo Celso secured the victory 16 minutes from time, pouncing on a mistake by Venezuela's goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium. It was another improved performance from Lionel Scaloni's team who have grown into this tournament since beginning with a 2-0 defeat to Colombia and a 1-1 draw with Paraguay. They are bidding to end a 26-year wait for a major international trophy. "We're Argentina and when there are knock-out matches, it makes us strong," said Sergio Aguero, who had a hand in both goals. "It won't be easy in any way (against Brazil) but we're Argentina and we'll try to do justice to the jersey." Fast start Argentina started like a team determined to claim the prize at stake: a semi-final against their great rivals Brazil. Martinez played in Aguero in the inside right channel after just three minutes but the Manchester City forward's low cross-shot was blocked by goalkeeper Farinez's foot. Argentina should have gone in front when German Pezzella ran unmarked onto a flick-on at the back post but he seemed surprised and couldn't react in time with the goal gaping. There was constant pressure on the Venezuelan backline as Argentina won a succession of corners. They had 80 per cent of possession in the first 10 minutes and sure enough, Venezuela cracked. Aguero's angled shot was heading well off target as it skidded into a crowd of players, but Martinez instinctively flicked it between his legs, nutmegging an unsighted Farinez. It was the least Argentina deserved after such a furious start but gradually Venezuela started to settle and get a foothold in the match. "We struggled to get a foothold in the match and by the time we got going, we were already behind and facing an uphill battle," complained Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel. "Undoubtedly when looking back (on the tournament) we'll have a lot more positives than negatives," he added. Chances were few and far between but Pezzella got up well to meet a Lionel Messi free-kick, only to head well over the top. Defenders were proving the most dangerous players on the pitch and Jhon Chancellor rose highest to head over from a corner at the other end. In first-half injury time, Martinez almost had a second put on a plate for him by Marcus Acuna, but Roberto Rosales whisked it off his toe at the back post, four yards from goal as Argentina finished the half with another burst of attacking intent. Farinez blunder Argentina made another fast start to the second half with Farinez having to punch away a wicked inswinging free-kick from Leandro Paredes, whose slide-rule pass then sent Martinez scampering into the box only to lash his shot against the outside of the post. Aguero bundled through a number of flimsy challenges but overran the ball and Farinez gathered. In Darwin Machis, Venezuela had a left winger with the beating of his marker Juan Foyth but the 'Vinotinto' ('Red wine') were unable to get him into the game. And when they did, Foyth twice got away with robust challenges on the speedy forward inside the box. The chance Venezuela had been waiting for came on 71 minutes when Tomas Rincon picked out Ronald Hernandez eight yards from goal at an angle, but he rushed his pushed volley and goalkeeper Franco Armani made a smart save. The game was up three minutes later when Farinez spilled a shot from Aguero that was straight at him, presenting Lo Celso, who had cleverly followed the action from midfield, with a simple tap-in just six minutes after entering the fray. Even as Venezuela pushed desperately looking for something, Argentina came closer to scoring again a couple of times through substitute Angel Di Maria, earning his 100th cap.

Martinez, Lo Celso goals earn Argentina Copa semi against Brazil

Brazil coach Tite joined the chorus of players and officials complaining about the Copa America pitches, saying it was "absurd" to play on surfaces like the one on which the hosts beat Paraguay on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-reach-semi-final-with-shootout-win-over-paraguay-231055&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwq427y4vjAhUHiHAKHVHJBJ4QFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1otE8Lgeq-gzAgJlPAcYM9">Brazil </a>won the quarter-final 4-3 on penalties after the two sides drew 0-0 after 90 minutes.

Tite said the level of play at the Gremio arena was negatively impacted by the uneven surface.

"It's absurd that at this high level we are playing on pitches where it is difficult to control the ball," Tite told reporters.

"Players need three touches to control it. It's absurd,"&nbsp;Tite said.

Renato Portaluppi, coach of Brazilian side Gremio, said earlier this week that 'the grass is sadly not in the best condition'.

Other players and officials had also voiced their disapproval of the playing surfaces used in the tournament.

One of the biggest critics was Lionel Messi, who suffered in the game against Qatar when a cutback onto his path hit a divot right before he took a shot for goal.

"(The ball) bumps a lot on the field. All the fields we played on were very bad. It is hard," Messi said after Qatar's clash.&nbsp;

The usually precise Barcelona forward skied the ball way over the bar and later explained, the ball 'kicks up a lot. All the pitches we've played on have been terrible. It's difficult.'

Uruguay's Luis Suarez and Colombia's James Rodriguez also dissed the uneven surfaces with the Fonte Nova in Salvador and the Maracana in Rio copping maximum criticism.

"When I (complained), I was criticised. They said I was making excuses. But you can't be playing on pitches like that," said Argentina coach <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-lionel-scaloni-expects-a-tough-start-as-argentina-prepare-to-face-colombia-227344&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzre-Fy4vjAhVHNo8KHXlzAeQQFjACegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0vQFC0L1UwqHCvm7LEsD8x">Lionel Scaloni.</a>

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-organisers-satisfied-with-use-of-var-despite-lengthy-delays-230565&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzre-Fy4vjAhVHNo8KHXlzAeQQFjAFegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3iVDTqmigO3g_dxIAgUng0">Organisers </a>rejected the criticism.

"We see flat pitches, with an ideal covering of grass," Thiago Jannuzzi, the organising committee's competitions manager, told reporters earlier this week while discussing the tournament's progress.

"The pitches are appropriate for the tournament,"&nbsp;Jannuzzi said.

Brazil, who are seeking to win the Copa for the first time since 2007, will now hope for a better surface at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, where they will play the semi-final against either Argentina or Venezuela.

The venue bears the scars for Brazil where they suffered a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final.

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

Brazil coach Tite joined the chorus of players and officials complaining about the Copa America pitches, saying it was "absurd" to play on surfaces like the one on which the hosts beat Paraguay on Thursday. Brazil won the quarter-final 4-3 on penalties after the two sides drew 0-0 after 90 minutes. Tite said the level of play at the Gremio arena was negatively impacted by the uneven surface. "It's absurd that at this high level we are playing on pitches where it is difficult to control the ball," Tite told reporters. "Players need three touches to control it. It's absurd," Tite said. Renato Portaluppi, coach of Brazilian side Gremio, said earlier this week that 'the grass is sadly not in the best condition'. Other players and officials had also voiced their disapproval of the playing surfaces used in the tournament. One of the biggest critics was Lionel Messi, who suffered in the game against Qatar when a cutback onto his path hit a divot right before he took a shot for goal. "(The ball) bumps a lot on the field. All the fields we played on were very bad. It is hard," Messi said after Qatar's clash. The usually precise Barcelona forward skied the ball way over the bar and later explained, the ball 'kicks up a lot. All the pitches we've played on have been terrible. It's difficult.' Uruguay's Luis Suarez and Colombia's James Rodriguez also dissed the uneven surfaces with the Fonte Nova in Salvador and the Maracana in Rio copping maximum criticism. "When I (complained), I was criticised. They said I was making excuses. But you can't be playing on pitches like that," said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. Organisers rejected the criticism. "We see flat pitches, with an ideal covering of grass," Thiago Jannuzzi, the organising committee's competitions manager, told reporters earlier this week while discussing the tournament's progress. "The pitches are appropriate for the tournament," Jannuzzi said. Brazil, who are seeking to win the Copa for the first time since 2007, will now hope for a better surface at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte, where they will play the semi-final against either Argentina or Venezuela. The venue bears the scars for Brazil where they suffered a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final.

Copa America: We're playing on terrible pitches, says Argentina's Lionel Messi

Brazil reached the last four of the Copa America on Thursday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Paraguay after their compelling quarter-final in Porto Alegre ended scoreless.

Gabriel got the winning kick for Brazil after Gustavo Gomez and Derlis Gonzalez missed for the visitors. Roberto Firmino pulled his spot-kick wide for the hosts.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-crush-peru-to-reach-last-eight-229690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9xP-EtovjAhVQinAKHe0uAoIQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1rpJxdtBBQB4wYSuxv9Vqh">Brazil</a>, who have yet to concede a goal in their first four games, will next face the winner of Friday’s quarter-final between Argentina and Venezuela in Belo Horizonte next Tuesday.

Gabriel Jesus had missed a penalty against Peru in their last group game and said he went back to his tried and tested the technique on Thursday.

"In the last game I didn’t look at the keeper and I hit it hard straight away and the goalie made a good save," he added.

"Today I did it my usual way, I looked calmly at the keeper and I could see him moving to the left and I side-footed it the other way,"&nbsp;Jesus said.

After a foul strewn and unexciting first half, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/philippe-coutinho-helps-brazil-forget-neymar-in-winning-copa-america-start-227257&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9xP-EtovjAhVQinAKHe0uAoIQFjAHegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2o7sb-lgkqIC_xEcjsN5dY">Brazil </a>took control when Fabian Balbuena was sent off in the 58th minute for fouling Firmino as he bore down on goal.

The referee gave a penalty but changed it to a free kick on the edge of the area after consulting the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-organisers-satisfied-with-use-of-var-despite-lengthy-delays-230565&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHqee2tovjAhWJq48KHWgwD5QQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2nX7s9sw8sQFf1AVrg3Sre">video assistant referee (VAR).</a>

The sending off then saw the home side lay siege to the Paraguayan goal but without joy, Everton seeing a shot deflected over the bar, Gabriel Jesus pulling a gilt-edged chance wide, and Willian hitting the post in the last minute.

"We created lots and lots of chances, the ball hit the woodwork, the goalkeeper worked miracles, but the fans helped us and we never gave up," said midfielder Arthur.

"We know what football is like, it’s about small details, and we couldn’t win but we felt the good energies and we managed to get through on penalties," Arthur added.

Goalkeeper Alisson, who like Arthur started his career in Porto Alegre, saluted his teammates.

"This is a team that deserved the win today," Alisson said.

"It was a draw but against a team that didn’t want to play unless it was on the counter-attack. We’ve gone up one step, two more to go to our objective, to be Copa America champions," added&nbsp;Alisson.

In the other two quarter-finals, Colombia play <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-alexis-sanchez-strikes-again-to-take-chile-into-quarters-229418&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJl_uttovjAhUQ3o8KHdv-DkoQFjABegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw14HSyDrwysSqA06oXz5SVS">Chile </a>and Uruguay take on Peru.

Brazil reached the last four of the Copa America on Thursday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Paraguay after their compelling quarter-final in Porto Alegre ended scoreless.

Brazil reached the last four of the Copa America on Thursday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Paraguay after their compelling quarter-final in Porto Alegre ended scoreless. Gabriel got the winning kick for Brazil after Gustavo Gomez and Derlis Gonzalez missed for the visitors. Roberto Firmino pulled his spot-kick wide for the hosts. Brazil, who have yet to concede a goal in their first four games, will next face the winner of Friday’s quarter-final between Argentina and Venezuela in Belo Horizonte next Tuesday. Gabriel Jesus had missed a penalty against Peru in their last group game and said he went back to his tried and tested the technique on Thursday. "In the last game I didn’t look at the keeper and I hit it hard straight away and the goalie made a good save," he added. "Today I did it my usual way, I looked calmly at the keeper and I could see him moving to the left and I side-footed it the other way," Jesus said. After a foul strewn and unexciting first half, Brazil took control when Fabian Balbuena was sent off in the 58th minute for fouling Firmino as he bore down on goal. The referee gave a penalty but changed it to a free kick on the edge of the area after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR). The sending off then saw the home side lay siege to the Paraguayan goal but without joy, Everton seeing a shot deflected over the bar, Gabriel Jesus pulling a gilt-edged chance wide, and Willian hitting the post in the last minute. "We created lots and lots of chances, the ball hit the woodwork, the goalkeeper worked miracles, but the fans helped us and we never gave up," said midfielder Arthur. "We know what football is like, it’s about small details, and we couldn’t win but we felt the good energies and we managed to get through on penalties," Arthur added. Goalkeeper Alisson, who like Arthur started his career in Porto Alegre, saluted his teammates. "This is a team that deserved the win today," Alisson said. "It was a draw but against a team that didn’t want to play unless it was on the counter-attack. We’ve gone up one step, two more to go to our objective, to be Copa America champions," added Alisson. In the other two quarter-finals, Colombia play Chile and Uruguay take on Peru.

Copa America: Brazil reach semi-final with shootout win over Paraguay

Copa America organisers CONMEBOL defended the use of video technology at the tournament after revealing VAR stoppages had averaged two minutes 26 seconds per intervention, nearly double the time taken at the 2018 World Cup.

The lengthy delays to play owing to VAR has led to whistling from disgruntled supporters and been criticised by figures including <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-colombia-defeats-qatar-1-0-moves-to-quarter-final-228873&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS-uXA2IbjAhUXfysKHTciBYAQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Rtxu-bdYoDV_gIx2leyXe">Colombia </a>coach Carlos Queiroz, just as the technology has become a huge topic of debate at the Women's World Cup.

CONMEBOL referees' chief Wilson Seneme gave a news conference on Tuesday after the conclusion of the group stage to discuss the use of VAR at the tournament and said there had been 17 interventions in the 18 games, with 11 on-screen reviews.

The average time per intervention easily eclipses the 80-second delays for VAR at the 2018 World Cup, the first major tournament where the technology was used.

The longest amount of stoppage time added on in the Copa was nine minutes in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-crush-peru-to-reach-last-eight-229690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjjiv_X2IbjAhXGXSsKHZYSDeIQFjAFegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0uPoq1x3-uyx9tjaBzWBcp">Brazil's </a>goalless draw with Venezuela, during which three goals were ruled out - two by VAR.

The extra time for stoppages added in that game was dwarfed, however, by the 18 minutes added in England's 3-0 win over Cameroon in the Women's World Cup.

"There have been no scandals and this gives us peace of mind. We are very satisfied with the result," Seneme said, adding that 15 decisions were changed as a result of the technology's use and two were upheld.

"We have been working on this since 2017 and the positive and negative results have allowed us to manage it well in 2019. The referee is still the one who decides, VAR is there to help the decisions,"&nbsp;Seneme said.

Venezuela have had a total of four goals scored against them ruled out by VAR, and after they scraped a goalless draw with hosts Brazil after two late goals were chalked off, coach Rafael Dudamel delightedly declared "Long live VAR".

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-beat-qatar-2-0-to-qualify-for-copa-america-last-eight-229875&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLiPuO2IbjAhUEFogKHUqxD-4QFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0KH8wOiFoRjbPqWYsry6Vg">Argentina </a>meanwhile were losing to Paraguay when they were awarded a penalty which no-one had appealed for after VAR spotted that a shot from Lautaro Martinez had taken the slightest of deflections off the hand of Paraguay's Ivan Piris.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-lionel-messis-penalty-rescues-argentina-against-paraguay-228869&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS-uXA2IbjAhUXfysKHTciBYAQFjAHegQICxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1qwhh1mCV-kTGexBF7sw55">Lionel Messi</a> scored from the spot to salvage a 1-1 draw which proved crucial in his side progressing to the last eight, where they will face Venezuela.

Colombia coach Queiroz has been VAR's fiercest critic at the tournament, saying it desperately needed to be reviewed after it denied his side a goal and overturned a penalty that had been awarded to them in a 1-0 win over Paraguay.

“Something has to change, because the fans are left confused and the players and coaches too. VAR was supposed to make football clearer and more objective but it’s doing the opposite," Queiroz said.

“We need to have a re-think for the good of football because the fans are not happy about it and neither are we,” added&nbsp;Queiroz.

Copa America organisers CONMEBOL defended the use of video technology at the tournament after revealing VAR stoppages had averaged two minutes 26 seconds per intervention, nearly double the time taken at the 2018 World Cup.

Copa America organisers CONMEBOL defended the use of video technology at the tournament after revealing VAR stoppages had averaged two minutes 26 seconds per intervention, nearly double the time taken at the 2018 World Cup. The lengthy delays to play owing to VAR has led to whistling from disgruntled supporters and been criticised by figures including Colombia coach Carlos Queiroz, just as the technology has become a huge topic of debate at the Women's World Cup. CONMEBOL referees' chief Wilson Seneme gave a news conference on Tuesday after the conclusion of the group stage to discuss the use of VAR at the tournament and said there had been 17 interventions in the 18 games, with 11 on-screen reviews. The average time per intervention easily eclipses the 80-second delays for VAR at the 2018 World Cup, the first major tournament where the technology was used. The longest amount of stoppage time added on in the Copa was nine minutes in Brazil's goalless draw with Venezuela, during which three goals were ruled out - two by VAR. The extra time for stoppages added in that game was dwarfed, however, by the 18 minutes added in England's 3-0 win over Cameroon in the Women's World Cup. "There have been no scandals and this gives us peace of mind. We are very satisfied with the result," Seneme said, adding that 15 decisions were changed as a result of the technology's use and two were upheld. "We have been working on this since 2017 and the positive and negative results have allowed us to manage it well in 2019. The referee is still the one who decides, VAR is there to help the decisions," Seneme said. Venezuela have had a total of four goals scored against them ruled out by VAR, and after they scraped a goalless draw with hosts Brazil after two late goals were chalked off, coach Rafael Dudamel delightedly declared "Long live VAR". Argentina meanwhile were losing to Paraguay when they were awarded a penalty which no-one had appealed for after VAR spotted that a shot from Lautaro Martinez had taken the slightest of deflections off the hand of Paraguay's Ivan Piris. Lionel Messi scored from the spot to salvage a 1-1 draw which proved crucial in his side progressing to the last eight, where they will face Venezuela. Colombia coach Queiroz has been VAR's fiercest critic at the tournament, saying it desperately needed to be reviewed after it denied his side a goal and overturned a penalty that had been awarded to them in a 1-0 win over Paraguay. “Something has to change, because the fans are left confused and the players and coaches too. VAR was supposed to make football clearer and more objective but it’s doing the opposite," Queiroz said. “We need to have a re-think for the good of football because the fans are not happy about it and neither are we,” added Queiroz.

Copa America organisers 'satisfied' with use of VAR despite lengthy delays

Uruguay demonstrated a winning attitude and mentality in their 1-0 Copa America success over Chile on Monday that gave them top spot in Group C, match-winner Edinson Cavani said.

Uruguay began the game in second place in their pool behind the reigning champions and facing a dauting potential quarter-final tie with Colombia, the only side to go through the group stage with three wins.

But Cavani's header eight minutes from time from Jonathan Rodriguez's cross propelled Uruguay above Chile and into, what looks on paper at least, an easier last eight challenge against Peru.

"In some moments we played well, in other moments less well, but always with the (right) attitude and mentality we were able to snatch the game," said the 32-year-old, who scored his 48th goal for his country.

But the Paris Saint-Germain forward insisted thoughts of a potentially easier quarter-final draw played no role in Uruguay's approach.

"We wanted to win the group without knowing what would come next, to show a good image in the group and continue with this attitude," he said following the match at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana stadium.

Captain Diego Godín said this win "is important for confidence, to rediscover the feelings after Japan" in which they were surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw.

Veteran coach Oscar Tabarez admitted there was little between the two sides.

"It was a keenly contested match with few spaces. We managed a little bit better than our opponents," he said.

More so than avoiding Colombia, Tabarez was most pleased that Uruguay will get an extra day of rest ahead of their quarter-final, against a Peru side that has had two extra days to recover from their pool efforts, on Saturday in Salvador.

Chile will face Colombia the day before in Sao Paulo.

"One extra day of rest is useful, it's important, because we're on the limit," said Tabarez.

Chile's Colombian coach Reinaldo Rueda, who was jeered by many of his team's fans when his name was announced before the match, said his side were beaten by "Uruguay's strength" -- their aerial game.

"Undoubtedly, it was a very close game. We knew about our opponents' quality, with a well defined system, a difficult style in terms of their aerial game," he said.

"But we played very well, we showed character, we showed discipline."

Still, defeat was hard to take.

"We lost, that's tough on the players' motivation," said Rueda.

Uruguay demonstrated a winning attitude and mentality in their 1-0 Copa America success over Chile on Monday that gave them top spot in Group C, match-winner Edinson Cavani said.

Uruguay demonstrated a winning attitude and mentality in their 1-0 Copa America success over Chile on Monday that gave them top spot in Group C, match-winner Edinson Cavani said. Uruguay began the game in second place in their pool behind the reigning champions and facing a dauting potential quarter-final tie with Colombia, the only side to go through the group stage with three wins. But Cavani's header eight minutes from time from Jonathan Rodriguez's cross propelled Uruguay above Chile and into, what looks on paper at least, an easier last eight challenge against Peru. "In some moments we played well, in other moments less well, but always with the (right) attitude and mentality we were able to snatch the game," said the 32-year-old, who scored his 48th goal for his country. But the Paris Saint-Germain forward insisted thoughts of a potentially easier quarter-final draw played no role in Uruguay's approach. "We wanted to win the group without knowing what would come next, to show a good image in the group and continue with this attitude," he said following the match at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana stadium. Captain Diego Godín said this win "is important for confidence, to rediscover the feelings after Japan" in which they were surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw. Veteran coach Oscar Tabarez admitted there was little between the two sides. "It was a keenly contested match with few spaces. We managed a little bit better than our opponents," he said. More so than avoiding Colombia, Tabarez was most pleased that Uruguay will get an extra day of rest ahead of their quarter-final, against a Peru side that has had two extra days to recover from their pool efforts, on Saturday in Salvador. Chile will face Colombia the day before in Sao Paulo. "One extra day of rest is useful, it's important, because we're on the limit," said Tabarez. Chile's Colombian coach Reinaldo Rueda, who was jeered by many of his team's fans when his name was announced before the match, said his side were beaten by "Uruguay's strength" -- their aerial game. "Undoubtedly, it was a very close game. We knew about our opponents' quality, with a well defined system, a difficult style in terms of their aerial game," he said. "But we played very well, we showed character, we showed discipline." Still, defeat was hard to take. "We lost, that's tough on the players' motivation," said Rueda.

Edinson Cavani praises Uruguay's 'attitude' and 'mentality' in Chile win

Argentina’s 2-0 win over Qatar, their first in a tournament they have yet to set alight, could be the victory they need to kick-start their drive towards the title, Lionel Messi said on Sunday.

Argentina's win over the Asian champions, thanks to an early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late strike from Sergio Aguero, has put them into a quarter-final against Venezuela in Rio de Janeiro on Friday.

"We played a good game and we won, and that was what mattered," Messi said. "We needed a game like this to gain some confidence and calm."

"As we play more games the team grows each one and that game was good for that."

Argentina came into the match under fire after losing their opener 2-0 to Colombia and then being held 1-1 by Paraguay.

Too many of their top players have failed to reproduce their club form at international level but they were at least creating chances up front against Qatar, even if they were vulnerable at the back throughout.

The score did not reflect the number of chances – Argentina had 17 shots on goal to Qatar’s four - but neither did it flatter the Qataris, who matched Argentina for most of the first half before running out of steam.

But while no one should draw too many conclusions from a victory over Qatar, who finished with one point for the tournament, the win sets Argentina up for a run at the title they have not won since 1993.

Coach Lionel Scaloni said he was content with the performance and delighted to still be in with a chance of silverware.

"Of course there are things we can improve on but we're satisfied," he said.

"We always tried to play football and pressure them high up the pitch. I think the second half was very good.

"The message has to be that as long as we’re in the Copa America we need to keep pushing forward."

Argentina’s 2-0 win over Qatar, their first in a tournament they have yet to set alight, could be the victory they need to kick-start their drive towards the title, Lionel Messi said on Sunday.

Argentina’s 2-0 win over Qatar, their first in a tournament they have yet to set alight, could be the victory they need to kick-start their drive towards the title, Lionel Messi said on Sunday. Argentina's win over the Asian champions, thanks to an early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late strike from Sergio Aguero, has put them into a quarter-final against Venezuela in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. "We played a good game and we won, and that was what mattered," Messi said. "We needed a game like this to gain some confidence and calm." "As we play more games the team grows each one and that game was good for that." Argentina came into the match under fire after losing their opener 2-0 to Colombia and then being held 1-1 by Paraguay. Too many of their top players have failed to reproduce their club form at international level but they were at least creating chances up front against Qatar, even if they were vulnerable at the back throughout. The score did not reflect the number of chances – Argentina had 17 shots on goal to Qatar’s four - but neither did it flatter the Qataris, who matched Argentina for most of the first half before running out of steam. But while no one should draw too many conclusions from a victory over Qatar, who finished with one point for the tournament, the win sets Argentina up for a run at the title they have not won since 1993. Coach Lionel Scaloni said he was content with the performance and delighted to still be in with a chance of silverware. "Of course there are things we can improve on but we're satisfied," he said. "We always tried to play football and pressure them high up the pitch. I think the second half was very good. "The message has to be that as long as we’re in the Copa America we need to keep pushing forward."

Copa America: Lionel Messi says win over Qatar can give Argentina needed boost

An early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late second from Sergio Aguero gave Argentina a 2-0 win over Qatar on Sunday, a deserved victory that takes them into the Copa America quarter-finals to face Venezuela.

Argentina took the lead after three minutes when an atrocious pass out of defence went straight to Martinez, who made no mistake from 15 meters out.

The first half was an even affair with Martinez and Aguero missing good chances for Argentina and Bassam Alrawi clipping the post from a free kick for the Asian champions.

But even with Lionel Messi looking more spritely than in Argentina's first two games, it took them until the second half before they were able to seal the points.

With eight minutes remaining Aguero ran on to a through ball and angled a fine drive past the Qatari keeper.

"When we scored the first goal we just needed to keep our calm until the end and we were qualified," Martinez said. "We were playing a good team, we couldn't make a mess of it."

Argentina's win, their first after a loss to Colombia and a draw with Paraguay, leaves them in second place in Group B on four points behind group winners Colombia, who beat Paraguay 1-0.

They will now play Venezuela in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, while the other quarter-final ties will only be decided after Monday's final Group C matches.

"Now we need to stay focused and win the next game and keep progressing," Martinez said.

The top two teams in each group qualify for the knockout stage along with the two best third-placed sides.

Brazil and Venezuela qualified from Group A on Saturday and third place Peru will join them.

Group C will be decided on Monday when Chile play Uruguay and Ecuador take on Japan.

An early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late second from Sergio Aguero gave Argentina a 2-0 win over Qatar on Sunday, a deserved victory that takes them into the Copa America quarter-finals to face Venezuela.

An early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late second from Sergio Aguero gave Argentina a 2-0 win over Qatar on Sunday, a deserved victory that takes them into the Copa America quarter-finals to face Venezuela. Argentina took the lead after three minutes when an atrocious pass out of defence went straight to Martinez, who made no mistake from 15 meters out. The first half was an even affair with Martinez and Aguero missing good chances for Argentina and Bassam Alrawi clipping the post from a free kick for the Asian champions. But even with Lionel Messi looking more spritely than in Argentina's first two games, it took them until the second half before they were able to seal the points. With eight minutes remaining Aguero ran on to a through ball and angled a fine drive past the Qatari keeper. "When we scored the first goal we just needed to keep our calm until the end and we were qualified," Martinez said. "We were playing a good team, we couldn't make a mess of it." Argentina's win, their first after a loss to Colombia and a draw with Paraguay, leaves them in second place in Group B on four points behind group winners Colombia, who beat Paraguay 1-0. They will now play Venezuela in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, while the other quarter-final ties will only be decided after Monday's final Group C matches. "Now we need to stay focused and win the next game and keep progressing," Martinez said. The top two teams in each group qualify for the knockout stage along with the two best third-placed sides. Brazil and Venezuela qualified from Group A on Saturday and third place Peru will join them. Group C will be decided on Monday when Chile play Uruguay and Ecuador take on Japan.

Argentina beat Qatar 2-0 to qualify for Copa America last eight

Brazil overwhelmed Peru with three goals in a superb first half to set up a crushing 5-0 victory on Saturday and cruise into the Copa America quarter-finals.

Looking like their imperious old selves in front of 42,000 fans at the Corinthians area, the host nation went ahead after 12 minutes when Casemiro nodded home after a goalmouth scramble and Roberto Firmino made it two seven minutes later after keeper Pedro Gallese made a hash of his kick out.

Firmino charged down the kick and the ball rebounded off the post but the forward picked up the rebound and rounded the keeper to roll the ball into the empty goal.

Man of the Match Everton added a third when he cut in from the left and unleashed a low shot that sneaked inside Gallese’s near post and Dani Alves made it 4-0 eight minutes into the second half when he finished off a neat team move and lashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Substitute Willian made it five with a vicious strike from outside the box in the final minute, before Gallese made up for his earlier error by saving a spot-kick from Gabriel Jesus in stoppage time.

After struggling in the first half of their previous two games, and failing to score in both, the two early goals settled Brazil and gave them more space to play, said coach Tite.

"When you score an early goal the team has play differently and open up, that is real," he said.

The result, combined with Venezuela’s 3-1 win over Bolivia, means the hosts top Group A and will play one of the two third-placed teams at the Gremio arena on Thursday.

The only downside for Brazil was a second yellow card in three games for Casemiro, which means the combative Real Madrid midfielder will miss Thursday's quarter-final.

Second-placed Venezuela will face the second team in Group B on Friday at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, while Peru must wait to see if their four points are enough to earn them a place as one of the two best third-placed sides.

"It’s not up to us now, that’s the uncomfortable situation," Peru coach Ricardo Gareca said.

"They were better than us from start to finish. Brazil had lots of chances in their other games and never took them. Today they took them."

Brazil overwhelmed Peru with three goals in a superb first half to set up a crushing 5-0 victory on Saturday and cruise into the Copa America quarter-finals. Looking like their imperious old selves in front of 42,000 fans at the Corinthians area, the host nation went ahead after 12 minutes when Casemiro nodded home after a goalmouth scramble and Roberto Firmino made it two seven minutes later after keeper Pedro Gallese made a hash of his kick out.

Brazil overwhelmed Peru with three goals in a superb first half to set up a crushing 5-0 victory on Saturday and cruise into the Copa America quarter-finals. Looking like their imperious old selves in front of 42,000 fans at the Corinthians area, the host nation went ahead after 12 minutes when Casemiro nodded home after a goalmouth scramble and Roberto Firmino made it two seven minutes later after keeper Pedro Gallese made a hash of his kick out. Firmino charged down the kick and the ball rebounded off the post but the forward picked up the rebound and rounded the keeper to roll the ball into the empty goal. Man of the Match Everton added a third when he cut in from the left and unleashed a low shot that sneaked inside Gallese’s near post and Dani Alves made it 4-0 eight minutes into the second half when he finished off a neat team move and lashed the ball into the roof of the net. Substitute Willian made it five with a vicious strike from outside the box in the final minute, before Gallese made up for his earlier error by saving a spot-kick from Gabriel Jesus in stoppage time. After struggling in the first half of their previous two games, and failing to score in both, the two early goals settled Brazil and gave them more space to play, said coach Tite. "When you score an early goal the team has play differently and open up, that is real," he said. The result, combined with Venezuela’s 3-1 win over Bolivia, means the hosts top Group A and will play one of the two third-placed teams at the Gremio arena on Thursday. The only downside for Brazil was a second yellow card in three games for Casemiro, which means the combative Real Madrid midfielder will miss Thursday's quarter-final. Second-placed Venezuela will face the second team in Group B on Friday at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, while Peru must wait to see if their four points are enough to earn them a place as one of the two best third-placed sides. "It’s not up to us now, that’s the uncomfortable situation," Peru coach Ricardo Gareca said. "They were better than us from start to finish. Brazil had lots of chances in their other games and never took them. Today they took them."

Copa America: Brazil crush Peru to reach last eight

Alexis Sanchez shrugged off an ankle injury and continued his resurgent form at the Copa America as the Chile striker fired his side to a 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Friday which took the holders into the quarter-finals of the competition.

Chile took the lead in the eighth minute when Jose Fuenzalida volleyed into the net but Ecuador were awarded a penalty when goalkeeper Gabriel Arias clattered Jhegson Mendez, allowing Enner Valencia to level from the spot in the 26th.

Sanchez, who had ended a barren five-month spell by scoring in Monday's 4-0 win against Japan, put Chile ahead early in the second half, expertly guiding a bouncing cross into the net with one touch.

Ecuador, who were hammered 4-0 by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-luis-suarez-edinson-cavani-score-as-uruguay-crush-10-man-ecuador-227872&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOz4_Tr_ziAhUILI8KHZqPBesQFjAFegQIChAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WrwxdskkJ5ve4oWgzrnu-">Uruguay </a>in their opening game, rarely threatened again and saw defender Gabriel Achilier receive a straight red card in stoppage time for a rash tackle on Arturo Vidal, who had to be taken off.

Sanchez later revealed he had been playing with an ankle injury sustained in the first half.

"After a cross, I rolled my ankle but I put a bandage on it, I took a pill for the pain and I came out again," he told reporters.

"I think I have a sprain, I was playing with pain but I hope it's not too serious," he said.

Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda praised Sanchez for playing on, adding that the ankle was not the same one he injured in May.

"He was evaluated by the doctors at halftime who said he could continue, although he put lots of ice on it at halftime. He made a huge effort in the second half," he said.

"We'll evaluate it again but we hope it isn't serious," Rueda said.

Chile, Copa champions in 2015 and 2016, lead Group C on six points. Uruguay are second on four with Japan third on one and Ecuador bottom with no points.

Ecuador still have an outside chance of sneaking into the quarter-finals as one of the two best ranked third-place finishers but they must win their game against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-koji-miyoshi-shines-japan-plays-2-2-draw-against-uruguay-229170&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOz4_Tr_ziAhUILI8KHZqPBesQFjAHegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw200dFTbFxA3KruVs3N4eyg">Japan </a>on Monday and hope other results go their way.

Their coach, Hernan Dario Gomez, gave the briefest of post-match news conferences, saying he was not in the mood to take questions and gave a short assessment of the game before leaving.

Alexis Sanchez shrugged off an ankle injury and continued his resurgent form at the Copa America as the Chile striker fired his side to a 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Friday which took the holders into the quarter-finals of the competition.

Alexis Sanchez shrugged off an ankle injury and continued his resurgent form at the Copa America as the Chile striker fired his side to a 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Friday which took the holders into the quarter-finals of the competition. Chile took the lead in the eighth minute when Jose Fuenzalida volleyed into the net but Ecuador were awarded a penalty when goalkeeper Gabriel Arias clattered Jhegson Mendez, allowing Enner Valencia to level from the spot in the 26th. Sanchez, who had ended a barren five-month spell by scoring in Monday's 4-0 win against Japan, put Chile ahead early in the second half, expertly guiding a bouncing cross into the net with one touch. Ecuador, who were hammered 4-0 by Uruguay in their opening game, rarely threatened again and saw defender Gabriel Achilier receive a straight red card in stoppage time for a rash tackle on Arturo Vidal, who had to be taken off. Sanchez later revealed he had been playing with an ankle injury sustained in the first half. "After a cross, I rolled my ankle but I put a bandage on it, I took a pill for the pain and I came out again," he told reporters. "I think I have a sprain, I was playing with pain but I hope it's not too serious," he said. Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda praised Sanchez for playing on, adding that the ankle was not the same one he injured in May. "He was evaluated by the doctors at halftime who said he could continue, although he put lots of ice on it at halftime. He made a huge effort in the second half," he said. "We'll evaluate it again but we hope it isn't serious," Rueda said. Chile, Copa champions in 2015 and 2016, lead Group C on six points. Uruguay are second on four with Japan third on one and Ecuador bottom with no points. Ecuador still have an outside chance of sneaking into the quarter-finals as one of the two best ranked third-place finishers but they must win their game against Japan on Monday and hope other results go their way. Their coach, Hernan Dario Gomez, gave the briefest of post-match news conferences, saying he was not in the mood to take questions and gave a short assessment of the game before leaving.

Copa America: Alexis Sanchez strikes again to take Chile into quarters

Brazil star footballer Neymar Jr paid a visit to his teammates in Sao Paulo on Friday ahead of their third Copa America Group A match against Peru.&nbsp;

Neymar suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out Copa America and in his absence, the team lacklustre.&nbsp;

Although, they made winning start as they defeated Bolivia 3-0 followed by a 0-0 draw with Venezuela but were booed by the fans.&nbsp;

The rumours are intensifying that Neymar wants to leave his current club Paris-Saint Germain.&nbsp;

Currently, Neymar is surrounded by plenty of off-pitch issues as a model, named Najila Trindade, has accused him of raping her in a Paris hotel last month. Neymar denied it and said that the relationship was consensual.&nbsp;

Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on dozens of his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute.&nbsp;

Watch: Neymar meeting his teammates:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I wanna see my idol happy😍😘 
But i follow one thing,,he visit and walking with no crutches 😲<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/neymar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#neymar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SelecaoBrasileira?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SelecaoBrasileira</a> <a href="https://t.co/GavbzsF0T3">pic.twitter.com/GavbzsF0T3</a>
— Zidane11 (@Zidaneneymarjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zidaneneymarjr/status/1142121538004537345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On being asked about whether&nbsp;Neymar's departure, Brazilian defender Marquinhos said, "Is he really leaving?

"We don't talk about it. It is a delicate situation. I believe he knows what he does, (and) our president also knows what he does, so I'm not aware of it I don't know what will happen," he added.&nbsp;

I'm focused on Copa America on doing my best here. And this we set aside in this moment."

Brazil star footballer Neymar Jr paid a visit to his teammates in Sao Paulo on Friday ahead of their third Copa America Group A match against Peru. Neymar suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out Copa America and in his absence, the team lacklustre.

Brazil star footballer Neymar Jr paid a visit to his teammates in Sao Paulo on Friday ahead of their third Copa America Group A match against Peru. Neymar suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out Copa America and in his absence, the team lacklustre. Although, they made winning start as they defeated Bolivia 3-0 followed by a 0-0 draw with Venezuela but were booed by the fans. The rumours are intensifying that Neymar wants to leave his current club Paris-Saint Germain. Currently, Neymar is surrounded by plenty of off-pitch issues as a model, named Najila Trindade, has accused him of raping her in a Paris hotel last month. Neymar denied it and said that the relationship was consensual. Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on dozens of his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute. Watch: Neymar meeting his teammates: I wanna see my idol happy😍😘 But i follow one thing,,he visit and walking with no crutches 😲#neymar #SelecaoBrasileira pic.twitter.com/GavbzsF0T3 — Zidane11 (@Zidaneneymarjr) June 21, 2019 × On being asked about whether Neymar's departure, Brazilian defender Marquinhos said, "Is he really leaving? "We don't talk about it. It is a delicate situation. I believe he knows what he does, (and) our president also knows what he does, so I'm not aware of it I don't know what will happen," he added. I'm focused on Copa America on doing my best here. And this we set aside in this moment."

Watch: Neymar visits his teammates ahead of Brazil's Copa America match against Peru

Uruguay's 2-2 draw against Japan in the Copa America on Friday left Luis Suarez with a bittersweet feeling, who insisted that they need to correct their mistakes.

"We have to correct mistakes and praise the positive things. We were the ones who created the most-clear chances. That is why we left with a bittersweet feeling," Goal.com quoted Suarez, as saying.

Japan's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-koji-miyoshi-shines-japan-plays-2-2-draw-against-uruguay-229170&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwith4L1z_riAhUVfSsKHclzDeMQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw06YhH9IL0kZ4xoZpoRzoto">Koji Miyoshi</a> scored the opening goal of the match but just after seven minutes, Suarez scored an equaliser through a penalty.

Miyoshi, in the 59th minute, again netted a goal for his side.

However, Jose Gimenez's goal in the 66th minute brought the score to 2-2 and the match concluded on the same.

Despite admitting that <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-luis-suarez-edinson-cavani-score-as-uruguay-crush-10-man-ecuador-227872&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwith4L1z_riAhUVfSsKHclzDeMQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1wVib59FhEK8YYuE1B8Sn9">Uruguay </a>played a good game, Suarez said that they have to be more careful.

"We played a good game at a general level, but we have the consequence that in this kind of tournament you have two mistakes and they make two goals and you have to be more careful," he said.

Japan was coming to the match after they faced a humiliating 0-4 defeat against Chile in their opening match of the tournament.

Suarez opined that Japan's performance against Chile was not a true reflection as the team has a lot of quality.

"We knew that Japan's performance with Chile was not a true reflection.

They are quick, they have a lot of quality, they put pressure on us and they did not let us play well," Suarez said.

Uruguay will now face Chile on June 25.

Uruguay's 2-2 draw against Japan in the Copa America on Friday left Luis Suarez with a bittersweet feeling, who insisted that they need to correct their mistakes.

Uruguay's 2-2 draw against Japan in the Copa America on Friday left Luis Suarez with a bittersweet feeling, who insisted that they need to correct their mistakes. "We have to correct mistakes and praise the positive things. We were the ones who created the most-clear chances. That is why we left with a bittersweet feeling," Goal.com quoted Suarez, as saying. Japan's Koji Miyoshi scored the opening goal of the match but just after seven minutes, Suarez scored an equaliser through a penalty. Miyoshi, in the 59th minute, again netted a goal for his side. However, Jose Gimenez's goal in the 66th minute brought the score to 2-2 and the match concluded on the same. Despite admitting that Uruguay played a good game, Suarez said that they have to be more careful. "We played a good game at a general level, but we have the consequence that in this kind of tournament you have two mistakes and they make two goals and you have to be more careful," he said. Japan was coming to the match after they faced a humiliating 0-4 defeat against Chile in their opening match of the tournament. Suarez opined that Japan's performance against Chile was not a true reflection as the team has a lot of quality. "We knew that Japan's performance with Chile was not a true reflection. They are quick, they have a lot of quality, they put pressure on us and they did not let us play well," Suarez said. Uruguay will now face Chile on June 25.

Copa America: Uruguay's Luis Suarez wants to correct mistakes after draw against Japan

Japan played a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in their group C clash in the ongoing <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-colombia-defeats-qatar-1-0-moves-to-quarter-final-228873&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjEkYClkPriAhUXIIgKHeoSDQ0QFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2-USPP7zYM0xFWi4Z4R2b5">Copa America</a> on Friday.

Japan started the game at a high-tempo as Koji Miyoshi scored the opening goal in the 25th minute of the first half.&nbsp;

He scored another goal in the 59th minute of the game.

After Miyoshi's opener, Luis Suarez scored the equaliser on penalty for Uraguay in the 32nd minute.&nbsp;

The penalty was offered after <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-have-three-goals-denied-by-var-in-draw-with-venezuela-228581&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjEkYClkPriAhUXIIgKHeoSDQ0QFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2KHwUK6D9I7k46RvHXPY9c">Video Assistant Referee (VAR)</a> review as Naomichi Ueda tried to block the ball under minimal contact on Edinson Cavani.

In the second half again, Miyoshi netted the ball to the goal in the 59th minute making their lead to 2-1.&nbsp;

Uruguay played with high morale as they defeated Ecuador 4-0 in their last game.&nbsp;

Jose Gimenez in the 66th minute of the match scored a goal to make it 2-2.

Although Uruguay attempted more chances to convert a goal but ended up with equal goals.&nbsp;

It was an entertaining game from both the teams.

Japan, in their last match, faced the 4-0 defeat at the hands of Chile while Uruguay won the last encounter 4-0 against Ecuador.

Japan will next face Ecuador while Uruguay will play against Chile on June 25.

Japan played a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in their group C clash in the ongoing Copa America on Friday. Japan started the game at a high-tempo as Koji Miyoshi scored the opening goal in the 25th minute of the first half.

Japan played a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in their group C clash in the ongoing Copa America on Friday. Japan started the game at a high-tempo as Koji Miyoshi scored the opening goal in the 25th minute of the first half. He scored another goal in the 59th minute of the game. After Miyoshi's opener, Luis Suarez scored the equaliser on penalty for Uraguay in the 32nd minute. The penalty was offered after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review as Naomichi Ueda tried to block the ball under minimal contact on Edinson Cavani. In the second half again, Miyoshi netted the ball to the goal in the 59th minute making their lead to 2-1. Uruguay played with high morale as they defeated Ecuador 4-0 in their last game. Jose Gimenez in the 66th minute of the match scored a goal to make it 2-2. Although Uruguay attempted more chances to convert a goal but ended up with equal goals. It was an entertaining game from both the teams. Japan, in their last match, faced the 4-0 defeat at the hands of Chile while Uruguay won the last encounter 4-0 against Ecuador. Japan will next face Ecuador while Uruguay will play against Chile on June 25.

Copa America: Koji Miyoshi shines, Japan plays 2-2 draw against Uruguay

Colombia in their second match of group B defeated Qatar 1-0 on Thursday at Morumbi stadium.

Colombia with a win over Qatar, sealed a spot in quarter-final of the Copa America as they won their both games.

For <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-colombia-not-far-away-says-defender-yerry-mina-228411&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjA-eiHrffiAhUMc3AKHc0dAusQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3IuB-JRWgi8uSxGEVS0a8V">Colombia</a>, Radamel Falcao started on the bench and James Rodriguez's impact was limited, at least until the latter set up the winner with a sublime pass.

In the final minutes of the game, Duvan Zapata's header came as a lifeline for Colombia as they were not able to score before that.

Zapata headed the ball to the goal in the 86th minute, the only goal in the match. Interestingly Zapata scored two goals in the tournament so far and both come in the 86th minute.

The 55th FIFA ranked Qatar showcased a quality game as they appeared organised in every department.

Qatar did not allow their opponent to score freely as they kept their defence solid.

Although Colombia attacked Qatar's goal-post but could not end with a goal.

The score-line after the completion of full time ended with 1-0 in favour of Colombia.

In their opening match, Qatar played a draw against Paraguay while Colombia outclassed Argentina in their first game.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-roger-martinez-cracker-helps-colombia-past-argentina-227523&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjA-eiHrffiAhUMc3AKHc0dAusQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3v6VFT4mZzUEcRA622-SmR">Colombia </a>will next play against Paraguay while Qatar will take on Argentina on June 26.

Colombia in their second match of group B defeated Qatar 1-0 on Thursday at Morumbi stadium. Colombia with a win over Qatar, sealed a spot in quarter-final of the Copa America as they won their both games.

Colombia in their second match of group B defeated Qatar 1-0 on Thursday at Morumbi stadium. Colombia with a win over Qatar, sealed a spot in quarter-final of the Copa America as they won their both games. For Colombia, Radamel Falcao started on the bench and James Rodriguez's impact was limited, at least until the latter set up the winner with a sublime pass. In the final minutes of the game, Duvan Zapata's header came as a lifeline for Colombia as they were not able to score before that. Zapata headed the ball to the goal in the 86th minute, the only goal in the match. Interestingly Zapata scored two goals in the tournament so far and both come in the 86th minute. The 55th FIFA ranked Qatar showcased a quality game as they appeared organised in every department. Qatar did not allow their opponent to score freely as they kept their defence solid. Although Colombia attacked Qatar's goal-post but could not end with a goal. The score-line after the completion of full time ended with 1-0 in favour of Colombia. In their opening match, Qatar played a draw against Paraguay while Colombia outclassed Argentina in their first game. Colombia will next play against Paraguay while Qatar will take on Argentina on June 26.

Copa America: Colombia defeats Qatar 1-0, moves to quarterfinal

Despite another shaky performance in the Copa America, Argentina still have their fate in their hands to reach the quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 with Paraguay on Wednesday as fortune shined on their side three times.

Argentina captain <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentinas-lionel-messi-hopes-to-end-trophy-heartache-at-copa-america-227262&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7qOagqvfiAhXMQo8KHV1RBc0QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0S9rt5n8yfIwVxG_EtPMbW">Lionel Messi</a> pulled his side level in the 57th minute after a handball by Paraguay's Ivan Peris which no-one on the pitch appealed for but was spotted by a VAR review.

Richard Sanchez had given Paraguay the lead in the 37th minute, firing into the bottom corner after a lung-bursting run from Miguel Almiron down the left wing.

Paraguay were awarded a spot-kick of their own a few minutes later but Derlis Gonzalez's shot was saved by Argentina keeper Franco Armani, who was lucky to avoid a red card when he fouled Gonzalez outside his area at the end of the first half.

Argentina are still bottom of Group B with one point from two games but they could progress to the last eight with a win over third-placed Qatar in their final group game on Sunday.

Anything less than victory against the Asian Cup winners will send Argentina out and further prolong Messi's long wait to win a trophy with his country.

The result ensured Colombia clinched top spot in the group on six points after they beat Qatar 1-0 earlier on.

Paraguay, who also threw away the lead to draw 2-2 with Qatar in their first game, are second on two points and need to beat Colombia to be guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals.

Argentina's caretaker coach <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-lionel-scaloni-expects-a-tough-start-as-argentina-prepare-to-face-colombia-227344&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7qOagqvfiAhXMQo8KHV1RBc0QFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XE6nDgYka9nVQPK-s7ZRU">Lionel Scaloni</a> admitted his side had not played well and struggled to cope with the shock of conceding the first goal.

'A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY'

"Our first half was not good, we played with desperation at times and we couldn't control the play or create attacks. We had a very clear plan but couldn't execute it as we kept losing the ball," he told reporters.

"They scored with their first attack and that caused us a lot of uncertainty. For a team like Argentina, which feels like it always has to win, the first blow is hard to take, but we assured the players at halftime that it was just one goal,"&nbsp;Scaloni added.

Argentina's best move came when substitute <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-agueros-return-lifts-messis-hopes-of-copa-america-glory-for-argentina-226159&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7qOagqvfiAhXMQo8KHV1RBc0QFjAEegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw35BeC1jNSmLRAWr-4LRXa7">Aguero </a>chested down a cross and laid it off to Lautaro Martinez who hit the crossbar on the volley.

The ball fell to Messi but the captain's shot was tipped away by Paraguay keeper Roberto Fernandez.

Messi was preparing to take the resulting corner when the referee went to consult the screen and then ruled that Martinez's shot had struck the outstretched hand of Peris.

The Barcelona forward, who is playing at his eighth major tournament with Argentina and has already lost four major finals, blasted in from the spot but an awfully timed tackle by Nicolas Otamendi threatened to undo his good work.

Yet Argentina enjoyed a third slice of good fortune as Armani came to the rescue by punching Gonzalez's spot-kick away, and the River Plate goalkeeper also saved a later free kick from Matias Rojas.

Despite another shaky performance in the Copa America, Argentina still have their fate in their hands to reach the quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 with Paraguay on Wednesday as fortune shined on their side three times.

Despite another shaky performance in the Copa America, Argentina still have their fate in their hands to reach the quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 with Paraguay on Wednesday as fortune shined on their side three times. Argentina captain Lionel Messi pulled his side level in the 57th minute after a handball by Paraguay's Ivan Peris which no-one on the pitch appealed for but was spotted by a VAR review. Richard Sanchez had given Paraguay the lead in the 37th minute, firing into the bottom corner after a lung-bursting run from Miguel Almiron down the left wing. Paraguay were awarded a spot-kick of their own a few minutes later but Derlis Gonzalez's shot was saved by Argentina keeper Franco Armani, who was lucky to avoid a red card when he fouled Gonzalez outside his area at the end of the first half. Argentina are still bottom of Group B with one point from two games but they could progress to the last eight with a win over third-placed Qatar in their final group game on Sunday. Anything less than victory against the Asian Cup winners will send Argentina out and further prolong Messi's long wait to win a trophy with his country. The result ensured Colombia clinched top spot in the group on six points after they beat Qatar 1-0 earlier on. Paraguay, who also threw away the lead to draw 2-2 with Qatar in their first game, are second on two points and need to beat Colombia to be guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals. Argentina's caretaker coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side had not played well and struggled to cope with the shock of conceding the first goal. 'A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY' "Our first half was not good, we played with desperation at times and we couldn't control the play or create attacks. We had a very clear plan but couldn't execute it as we kept losing the ball," he told reporters. "They scored with their first attack and that caused us a lot of uncertainty. For a team like Argentina, which feels like it always has to win, the first blow is hard to take, but we assured the players at halftime that it was just one goal," Scaloni added. Argentina's best move came when substitute Aguero chested down a cross and laid it off to Lautaro Martinez who hit the crossbar on the volley. The ball fell to Messi but the captain's shot was tipped away by Paraguay keeper Roberto Fernandez. Messi was preparing to take the resulting corner when the referee went to consult the screen and then ruled that Martinez's shot had struck the outstretched hand of Peris. The Barcelona forward, who is playing at his eighth major tournament with Argentina and has already lost four major finals, blasted in from the spot but an awfully timed tackle by Nicolas Otamendi threatened to undo his good work. Yet Argentina enjoyed a third slice of good fortune as Armani came to the rescue by punching Gonzalez's spot-kick away, and the River Plate goalkeeper also saved a later free kick from Matias Rojas.

Copa America: Lionel Messi's penalty rescues Argentina against Paraguay

copa-america

Copa America, News on Copa America, stories on Copa America, articles on Copa America, Copa America stories at Wion, Copa America news, Copa America latest news

copa america