Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is confident new signing Antoine Griezmann will have no problems linking up with strike partners Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez when the trio finally appear in the same team together.

Griezmann, who signed from La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid earlier this month, has been with the squad on Barcelona’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/carles-perez-double-as-barcelona-beat-iniestas-vissel-kobe-2-0-238859">tour of Japan</a> and featured in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/carles-perez-double-as-barcelona-beat-iniestas-vissel-kobe-2-0-238859">side’s 2-0 win over Vissel Kobe</a> on Saturday.

However, following their exploits in the Copa America, Messi and Suarez have been given an extended break and will not link up with the team until they return from Japan.

With 682 La Liga goals between them, Valverde is understandably excited about the attacking trident and believes Griezmann might be the missing part of the puzzle as Barcelona chase their first Champions League trophy since 2015.

"It's true that some players who are good fit in together easier," said Valverde.

"We will see the relationship socially and at the camp. We are excited for this opportunity.

"We believe in balance in the team, in front or in the back, he (Griezmann) moves quick, he passes well, and finds space and this is what we were missing."

Two second-half goals from 21-year-old academy graduate Carles Perez were enough to seal the win over Kobe, who featured former Barca players Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper on Saturday.

"Carles Perez scored two goals today, so it's a good news for his potential and shows how we can bring the young guys forward," Valverde said.

Former Barca captain Iniesta, who left the club after 16 trophy-filled years last year, said it was an odd afternoon playing against former teammates such as Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic.

"Well, it's a bit strange of course (to play against Barcelona)," said the 35-year-old.

"You spend so long playing with the same players... it's strange, special.

"But at the start of the match you are clearly focusing on playing and trying to give a good impression."

Barcelona's next pre-season match is against Arsenal at the Nou Camp on August 7.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is confident new signing Antoine Griezmann will have no problems linking up with strike partners Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez when the trio finally appear in the same team together.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is confident new signing Antoine Griezmann will have no problems linking up with strike partners Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez when the trio finally appear in the same team together. Griezmann, who signed from La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid earlier this month, has been with the squad on Barcelona’s tour of Japan and featured in the side’s 2-0 win over Vissel Kobe on Saturday. However, following their exploits in the Copa America, Messi and Suarez have been given an extended break and will not link up with the team until they return from Japan. With 682 La Liga goals between them, Valverde is understandably excited about the attacking trident and believes Griezmann might be the missing part of the puzzle as Barcelona chase their first Champions League trophy since 2015. "It's true that some players who are good fit in together easier," said Valverde. "We will see the relationship socially and at the camp. We are excited for this opportunity. "We believe in balance in the team, in front or in the back, he (Griezmann) moves quick, he passes well, and finds space and this is what we were missing." Two second-half goals from 21-year-old academy graduate Carles Perez were enough to seal the win over Kobe, who featured former Barca players Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper on Saturday. "Carles Perez scored two goals today, so it's a good news for his potential and shows how we can bring the young guys forward," Valverde said. Former Barca captain Iniesta, who left the club after 16 trophy-filled years last year, said it was an odd afternoon playing against former teammates such as Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic. "Well, it's a bit strange of course (to play against Barcelona)," said the 35-year-old. "You spend so long playing with the same players... it's strange, special. "But at the start of the match you are clearly focusing on playing and trying to give a good impression." Barcelona's next pre-season match is against Arsenal at the Nou Camp on August 7.

Ernesto Valverde backs Griezmann to connect with Messi, Suarez

Barcelona’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club are working on a plan for when their talismanic forward Lionel Messi finally hangs up his boots.

Barcelona have been very active in the transfer market in recent years, with Bartomeu completing three of the top six most expensive transfers ever.

French forward Antoine Griezmann's move from Atletico Madrid was the most recent of those and Bartomeu says the deals are part of the club’s planning for when Messi, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, finally retires.

Although there is no suggestion the 32-year-old wants to walk away anytime soon, Barcelona are determined they will be able to continue their success once the Argentine is gone.

“We think it is our obligation to work on the post-Messi era,” Bartomeu told Reuters in Kobe on Friday.

"We are thinking about a post-Messi era because we are bringing in new players...

"We have to think about this changing era when Messi will give up playing football but, as president, I hope that he is going to be (have) very large years playing with us still.”

Messi is not in Japan with Barca, having been given an extended break following the Copa America, but he will link up with the rest of the squad for the second half of their pre-season in the United States next month.

Bartomeu also dismissed Atletico Madrid's allegation that the Catalan club have not paid enough to trigger forward Griezmann's release clause, following the Frenchman's move earlier this month.

La Liga President Javier Tebas said on Wednesday that Atletico had asked the league to block Griezmann’s move following a dispute surrounding the transfer fee.

Griezmann fee

Spanish champions Barcelona announced the signing of Griezmann for €120 million ($133 million).

Bartomeu said Atletico have no case.

“A few days ago, they asked me the same question in Barcelona and I said 'it is nothing, it is something that is normal',” Bartomeu said.

“Normally when a player changes club, the club that doesn’t want to lose a player, then they don’t like it. Like we don’t like it sometimes when a player leaves and we want him to stay.

"But, there is nothing, this is something that happens in the football industry, something that happens between clubs and for me, no it isn’t a problem at all.”

Griezmann is on tour in Japan and is expected to make his second appearance in a Barca shirt against Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Saturday.

Bartomeu said Griezmann’s transfer had been in the works a long time.

“We were looking for him already two years ago,” said Bartomeu, who has also added Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong to the Barcelona ranks this summer.

“It is not easy sometimes to move players like him. He is probably one of the best five, six top players in the world so to move from one team to another is not easily normally.”

Another player who has been linked in the media with a return to Barcelona is their former forward Neymar, whom the club sold to Paris St Germain for €222 million ($247 million)&nbsp;in 2017.

Bartomeu, however, refused to discuss a potential move for the Brazilian.

“In the summer I am reading a lot of newspapers about Neymar, but in the end, you know as a club we have a lot of respect for Paris St Germain and Neymar is a player for Paris St Germain and there is nothing else to talk,” stressed the Barca president.

Barcelona’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club are working on a plan for when their talismanic forward Lionel Messi finally hangs up his boots. Barcelona have been very active in the transfer market in recent years, with Bartomeu completing three of the top six most expensive transfers ever.

Barcelona’s president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club are working on a plan for when their talismanic forward Lionel Messi finally hangs up his boots. Barcelona have been very active in the transfer market in recent years, with Bartomeu completing three of the top six most expensive transfers ever. French forward Antoine Griezmann's move from Atletico Madrid was the most recent of those and Bartomeu says the deals are part of the club’s planning for when Messi, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, finally retires. Although there is no suggestion the 32-year-old wants to walk away anytime soon, Barcelona are determined they will be able to continue their success once the Argentine is gone. “We think it is our obligation to work on the post-Messi era,” Bartomeu told Reuters in Kobe on Friday. "We are thinking about a post-Messi era because we are bringing in new players... "We have to think about this changing era when Messi will give up playing football but, as president, I hope that he is going to be (have) very large years playing with us still.” Messi is not in Japan with Barca, having been given an extended break following the Copa America, but he will link up with the rest of the squad for the second half of their pre-season in the United States next month. Bartomeu also dismissed Atletico Madrid's allegation that the Catalan club have not paid enough to trigger forward Griezmann's release clause, following the Frenchman's move earlier this month. La Liga President Javier Tebas said on Wednesday that Atletico had asked the league to block Griezmann’s move following a dispute surrounding the transfer fee. Griezmann fee Spanish champions Barcelona announced the signing of Griezmann for €120 million ($133 million). Bartomeu said Atletico have no case. “A few days ago, they asked me the same question in Barcelona and I said 'it is nothing, it is something that is normal',” Bartomeu said. “Normally when a player changes club, the club that doesn’t want to lose a player, then they don’t like it. Like we don’t like it sometimes when a player leaves and we want him to stay. "But, there is nothing, this is something that happens in the football industry, something that happens between clubs and for me, no it isn’t a problem at all.” Griezmann is on tour in Japan and is expected to make his second appearance in a Barca shirt against Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Saturday. Bartomeu said Griezmann’s transfer had been in the works a long time. “We were looking for him already two years ago,” said Bartomeu, who has also added Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong to the Barcelona ranks this summer. “It is not easy sometimes to move players like him. He is probably one of the best five, six top players in the world so to move from one team to another is not easily normally.” Another player who has been linked in the media with a return to Barcelona is their former forward Neymar, whom the club sold to Paris St Germain for €222 million ($247 million) in 2017. Bartomeu, however, refused to discuss a potential move for the Brazilian. “In the summer I am reading a lot of newspapers about Neymar, but in the end, you know as a club we have a lot of respect for Paris St Germain and Neymar is a player for Paris St Germain and there is nothing else to talk,” stressed the Barca president.

Barcelona planning for post-Messi era, says club president

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been banned for one game and fined $1,500 after being sent off against Chile in the Copa America third-place playoff and levelling accusations of "corruption" at South American soccer chiefs.

Messi was shown the red card after clashing with Gary Medel and afterwards alleged that the tournament had been fixed in favour of the hosts Brazil, who beat Argentina in a controversial semi-final on their way to claiming the title.

Messi called the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) "corrupt" and did not attend the ceremony to pick up his medal.

CONMEBOL said on Tuesday that Messi's comments were "unacceptable" but backed down from imposing a tougher sanction on the five-times world player of the year.

The ban is expected to be served in Argentina’s first qualifier for the 2022 World Cup.

In another Argentina-related decision on Tuesday, CONMEBOL removed the head of the Argentine Football Association's Claudio Tapia as their official representative at FIFA.

Tapia also sharply criticized CONMEBOL during and after the Copa America.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been banned for one game and fined $1,500 after being sent off against Chile in the Copa America third-place playoff and levelling accusations of "corruption" at South American soccer chiefs.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been banned for one game and fined $1,500 after being sent off against Chile in the Copa America third-place playoff and levelling accusations of "corruption" at South American soccer chiefs. Messi was shown the red card after clashing with Gary Medel and afterwards alleged that the tournament had been fixed in favour of the hosts Brazil, who beat Argentina in a controversial semi-final on their way to claiming the title. Messi called the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) "corrupt" and did not attend the ceremony to pick up his medal. CONMEBOL said on Tuesday that Messi's comments were "unacceptable" but backed down from imposing a tougher sanction on the five-times world player of the year. The ban is expected to be served in Argentina’s first qualifier for the 2022 World Cup. In another Argentina-related decision on Tuesday, CONMEBOL removed the head of the Argentine Football Association's Claudio Tapia as their official representative at FIFA. Tapia also sharply criticized CONMEBOL during and after the Copa America.

Football: Messi banned for one game for Copa America red card

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-wants-barcelona-return-says-clubs-vice-president-230937&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2mfCXgLzjAhWLsI8KHdz5BLcQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ZstBOMwPCqUgsc5CiJqKx">Neymar </a>has praised Barcelona's Lionel Messi calling him the 'best player in the world'&nbsp;amid speculation of his returning to Camp Nou.

"For me, he's the best player in the world. The best player that I've ever seen play," Goal.com quoted Neymar as saying.

Neymar also stated that he and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-broke-down-in-dressing-room-after-barcelonas-humiliating-defeat-to-liverpool-217028&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAqbysgLzjAhXGq48KHVEFCcUQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2u_YrqzDypKKwjRHEKZl9W">Messi </a>made a 'magnificent duo'.

"We made a magnificent duo. It was a pleasure for me, an honour to play with him. And, on top of that, he is my friend," he said.

A few days back, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-raises-new-speculation-about-barca-with-social-media-post-235712&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2mfCXgLzjAhWLsI8KHdz5BLcQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2KPBtbCgt_HhTUIhsW_l6W">Neymar </a>admitted that his victory over PSG during his time with Barcelona was the best feeling for him.

The match took place back in 2017 and in the match, Neymar netted two goals to help his side thrash PSG by 6-1.

"When we won against PSG with Barcelona it was completely... we all went crazy afterwards. I believe it was the best feeling for all of us. The 'Remontada' against Paris, what we felt when we scored the sixth goal... I have never felt anything like this. It was incredible!," he said.

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Neymar has praised Barcelona's Lionel Messi calling him the 'best player in the world' amid speculation of his returning to Camp Nou.

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) Neymar has praised Barcelona's Lionel Messi calling him the 'best player in the world' amid speculation of his returning to Camp Nou. "For me, he's the best player in the world. The best player that I've ever seen play," Goal.com quoted Neymar as saying. Neymar also stated that he and Messi made a 'magnificent duo'. "We made a magnificent duo. It was a pleasure for me, an honour to play with him. And, on top of that, he is my friend," he said. A few days back, Neymar admitted that his victory over PSG during his time with Barcelona was the best feeling for him. The match took place back in 2017 and in the match, Neymar netted two goals to help his side thrash PSG by 6-1. "When we won against PSG with Barcelona it was completely... we all went crazy afterwards. I believe it was the best feeling for all of us. The 'Remontada' against Paris, what we felt when we scored the sixth goal... I have never felt anything like this. It was incredible!," he said.

Lionel Messi is best player in the world, says Neymar amid Barcelona return speculations

Forbes' Top 10 Highest Paid Entertainers in the World in 2019

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/barca-haunted-by-ghosts-of-rome-in-nightmare-loss-to-liverpool-gerard-pique-221387&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjr7NTMqKrjAhWJ7nMBHbHxALYQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2oDybOjO8_ZKjEV_-5o--P">Barcelona's</a> Gerard Pique will be forced to pay ‎€2.1 million ($2.36 million) to Spain's tax authorities after his conviction for rights-image fraud was confirmed, a legal source told AFP on Wednesday.

According to a May 13 decision the country's National Court rejected Pique's appeal against the 2016 sentence which required the former Spain international to pay ‎€1.5 million in tax arrears and a 600,000 euros fine.

The tribunal concluded <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/gerard-pique-speaks-on-facing-former-manchester-united-teammate-ole-gunnar-solskjaer-209171&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjr7NTMqKrjAhWJ7nMBHbHxALYQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0qJp4Ynfeqr-KtEPU4f7f5">Pique</a> had faked the handover of his rights images to his Kerad Project company to pay less tax for 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Pique, a World Cup and European Championships winner retains the right to appeal to Spain's supreme court.&nbsp;

The verdict comes a month after his wife, Colombian musician Shakira, was questioned by a judge near the Catalan city over alleged evasion of ‎€14.5 million in taxes.

Her press team released a statement in which they said the artist was innocent.

The centre-back's former teammate at the Camp Nou <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazil-authorities-put-freeze-on-neymar-mansions-amid-tax-dispute-228093&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4nev1qKrjAhVb8XMBHedlAoEQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0QC6QZH7keaR4NhXxf_-z7">Neymar </a>is under investigation by Spain's fiscal authorities over a bonus he received at Barca as well as his world-record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

Another of Pique's fellow club squad members Lionel Messi paid a two-million-euro fine in 2016 in his own tax wrangle and received a 21-month jail term.

The prison sentence was later reduced to a further fine of ‎€252,000, equivalent to ‎€400&nbsp;per day of the original term.

A Spanish court in January handed Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo a suspended two-year prison sentence for committing tax fraud when he was at Real Madrid.

The player, who joined Italian side Juventus last year, also agreed to pay ‎€18.8 million in fines and back taxes to settle the case, according to judicial sources.

Newspaper El Mundo reported in April authorities had accused Atletico Madrid attacker <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/diego-costa-banned-for-eight-games-for-insulting-referee-209665&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwixw7KLqarjAhXQ73MBHYpFBk0QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw18LDXzRpJ7yjCSUIpXgG2i">Diego Costa</a> of fraud totalling ‎€1.1 million related to taxes related to his image rights in 2014.&nbsp;

Barcelona's Gerard Pique will be forced to pay ‎€2.1 million ($2.36 million) to Spain's tax authorities after his conviction for rights-image fraud was confirmed, a legal source told AFP on Wednesday.

Barcelona's Gerard Pique will be forced to pay ‎€2.1 million ($2.36 million) to Spain's tax authorities after his conviction for rights-image fraud was confirmed, a legal source told AFP on Wednesday. According to a May 13 decision the country's National Court rejected Pique's appeal against the 2016 sentence which required the former Spain international to pay ‎€1.5 million in tax arrears and a 600,000 euros fine. The tribunal concluded Pique had faked the handover of his rights images to his Kerad Project company to pay less tax for 2008, 2009 and 2010. Pique, a World Cup and European Championships winner retains the right to appeal to Spain's supreme court. The verdict comes a month after his wife, Colombian musician Shakira, was questioned by a judge near the Catalan city over alleged evasion of ‎€14.5 million in taxes. Her press team released a statement in which they said the artist was innocent. The centre-back's former teammate at the Camp Nou Neymar is under investigation by Spain's fiscal authorities over a bonus he received at Barca as well as his world-record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. Another of Pique's fellow club squad members Lionel Messi paid a two-million-euro fine in 2016 in his own tax wrangle and received a 21-month jail term. The prison sentence was later reduced to a further fine of ‎€252,000, equivalent to ‎€400 per day of the original term. A Spanish court in January handed Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo a suspended two-year prison sentence for committing tax fraud when he was at Real Madrid. The player, who joined Italian side Juventus last year, also agreed to pay ‎€18.8 million in fines and back taxes to settle the case, according to judicial sources. Newspaper El Mundo reported in April authorities had accused Atletico Madrid attacker Diego Costa of fraud totalling ‎€1.1 million related to taxes related to his image rights in 2014.

Barcelona's Gerard Pique handed €2.1 million tax bill

Lionel Messi was sent off before halftime and then angrily hit out at "corrupt" tournament organisers after Argentina beat Chile 2-1 to win a bad-tempered third-place playoff at the Copa America on Saturday.

The match was 34 minutes old when Chilean captain Gary Medel shepherded out a ball near his own goal. Messi challenged him from behind and Medel reacted angrily, pushing the Argentine and raising his hands.

The Paraguayan referee showed Medel a red card and even though Messi did not react, he too was sent off, prompting boos in Sao Paulo’s Corinthians arena.

Reports said the Barcelona forward did not attend the ceremony to receive his third-place medal and he later hit out at the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).

"We don't have to be part of this corruption," Messi told reporters. "The lack of respect that they have showed us throughout this tournament.

"Sadly, the corruption, the referees, they don’t allow people to enjoy football, they ruined it a bit.

"I think the cup is fixed for Brazil," Messi added. "I hope that the VAR and the referees have nothing to do in this final and that Peru can compete because they have the team to do so although I think it's difficult."

His comments came four days after Argentina were beaten 2-0 by arch rivals Brazil in a semi-final that was marked by a number of contentious refereeing decisions.

Argentina were furious that VAR was not consulted for two possible penalty decision, with the Argentine Football Association president writing an angry letter to CONMEBOL to express his disgust.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Messi’s frustration was evident in the mixed zone after what was only the second red card of his career.

"You saw what happened," he told reporters. "A yellow would have ended it for both of us. The important thing is that with 10 the team finished well and won."

The referee also showed six yellow cards in a match that was disrupted by 37 fouls.

Sergio Aguero put Argentina 1-0 ahead in 12 minutes and Paulo Dybala made it two 10 minutes later with a nice finish after Giovani Lo Celso put him through on goal.

Artur Vidal pulled one back for Chile from the penalty spot 14 minutes into the second half.

Hosts Brazil face Peru in the final on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro.

Lionel Messi was sent off before halftime and then angrily hit out at "corrupt" tournament organisers after Argentina beat Chile 2-1 to win a bad-tempered third-place playoff at the Copa America on Saturday.

Lionel Messi was sent off before halftime and then angrily hit out at "corrupt" tournament organisers after Argentina beat Chile 2-1 to win a bad-tempered third-place playoff at the Copa America on Saturday. The match was 34 minutes old when Chilean captain Gary Medel shepherded out a ball near his own goal. Messi challenged him from behind and Medel reacted angrily, pushing the Argentine and raising his hands. The Paraguayan referee showed Medel a red card and even though Messi did not react, he too was sent off, prompting boos in Sao Paulo’s Corinthians arena. Reports said the Barcelona forward did not attend the ceremony to receive his third-place medal and he later hit out at the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). "We don't have to be part of this corruption," Messi told reporters. "The lack of respect that they have showed us throughout this tournament. "Sadly, the corruption, the referees, they don’t allow people to enjoy football, they ruined it a bit. "I think the cup is fixed for Brazil," Messi added. "I hope that the VAR and the referees have nothing to do in this final and that Peru can compete because they have the team to do so although I think it's difficult." His comments came four days after Argentina were beaten 2-0 by arch rivals Brazil in a semi-final that was marked by a number of contentious refereeing decisions. Argentina were furious that VAR was not consulted for two possible penalty decision, with the Argentine Football Association president writing an angry letter to CONMEBOL to express his disgust. Messi’s frustration was evident in the mixed zone after what was only the second red card of his career. "You saw what happened," he told reporters. "A yellow would have ended it for both of us. The important thing is that with 10 the team finished well and won." The referee also showed six yellow cards in a match that was disrupted by 37 fouls. Sergio Aguero put Argentina 1-0 ahead in 12 minutes and Paulo Dybala made it two 10 minutes later with a nice finish after Giovani Lo Celso put him through on goal. Artur Vidal pulled one back for Chile from the penalty spot 14 minutes into the second half. Hosts Brazil face Peru in the final on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro.

Lionel Messi slams 'Brazil fix' after Copa red card

South American football governing body CONMEBOL hit back at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-slams-brazil-fix-after-copa-red-card-233729">Argentine superstar Lionel Messi</a> on Saturday after he accused the body of corruption.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentinas-lionel-messi-received-second-red-card-of-his-career-233770">Messi reacted after he was sent-off</a> during Argentina's 2-1 victory in the third place play-off against Chile earlier in the day.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was involved in a tangle with Chile captain Gary Medel in which Messi appeared to do nothing wrong, but both players were given their marching orders by referee Mario Diaz de Vivar.

"It's unacceptable that as a result of incidents that are a regular part of competition ... unfounded and untrue accusations have been launched that call into question the integrity of the Copa America," said CONMEBOL in a statement posted on its social media accounts.

Earlier, Messi was scathing in his attack on CONMEBOL and the competition's referees after Argentina felt aggrieved for the second match running.

He even accused the governing body of favoring hosts Brazil.

"Corruption and the referees are preventing people from enjoying the football and they're ruining it a bit," said the global star.

"I think there's no doubt that Brazil are going to be champions. The Copa is weighted towards Brazil," he added.

Argentina felt they were denied two clear penalties in their 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the semi-finals, complaining that the referee for that game, Roddy Zambrano, had refused to consult VAR to check the validity of their claims.

And again Argentina were angered that Diaz de Vivar refused to consult with the video assistance to check the incident between Messi and Medel.

Messi had shoved Medel in the back as the Chile captain shepherded the ball out of play.

Medel reacted furiously, chest bumping Messi a couple of times and seeming to push his head towards the Argentina captain, who didn't react.

Yet both were dismissed by Diaz de Vivar.

Messi said his red card was "repercussions" for criticisms he expressed after the defeat to Brazil.

"These accusations are a lack of respect to the competition, to all footballers participating and the hundreds of professionals at CONMEBOL, an institution that since 2016 has been tirelessly working to improve transparency, professionalism and development of South American football," said CONMEBOL.

The governing body said that "a fundamental pillar of fair play is accepting results with loyalty and respect."

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had earlier said of Messi's red card: "I still don't understand what Messi did to be dismissed."

South American football governing body CONMEBOL hit back at Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on Saturday after he accused the body of corruption. Messi reacted after he was sent-off during Argentina's 2-1 victory in the third place play-off against Chile earlier in the day.

South American football governing body CONMEBOL hit back at Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on Saturday after he accused the body of corruption. Messi reacted after he was sent-off during Argentina's 2-1 victory in the third place play-off against Chile earlier in the day. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was involved in a tangle with Chile captain Gary Medel in which Messi appeared to do nothing wrong, but both players were given their marching orders by referee Mario Diaz de Vivar. "It's unacceptable that as a result of incidents that are a regular part of competition ... unfounded and untrue accusations have been launched that call into question the integrity of the Copa America," said CONMEBOL in a statement posted on its social media accounts. Earlier, Messi was scathing in his attack on CONMEBOL and the competition's referees after Argentina felt aggrieved for the second match running. He even accused the governing body of favoring hosts Brazil. "Corruption and the referees are preventing people from enjoying the football and they're ruining it a bit," said the global star. "I think there's no doubt that Brazil are going to be champions. The Copa is weighted towards Brazil," he added. Argentina felt they were denied two clear penalties in their 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the semi-finals, complaining that the referee for that game, Roddy Zambrano, had refused to consult VAR to check the validity of their claims. And again Argentina were angered that Diaz de Vivar refused to consult with the video assistance to check the incident between Messi and Medel. Messi had shoved Medel in the back as the Chile captain shepherded the ball out of play. Medel reacted furiously, chest bumping Messi a couple of times and seeming to push his head towards the Argentina captain, who didn't react. Yet both were dismissed by Diaz de Vivar. Messi said his red card was "repercussions" for criticisms he expressed after the defeat to Brazil. "These accusations are a lack of respect to the competition, to all footballers participating and the hundreds of professionals at CONMEBOL, an institution that since 2016 has been tirelessly working to improve transparency, professionalism and development of South American football," said CONMEBOL. The governing body said that "a fundamental pillar of fair play is accepting results with loyalty and respect." Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had earlier said of Messi's red card: "I still don't understand what Messi did to be dismissed."

South America football bosses fire back at Lionel Messi jibe

Argentina defeated Chile 2-1 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-slams-brazil-fix-after-copa-red-card-233729">in the third-place playoff at the Copa America</a> on Saturday in an ill-tempered match that will be remembered for the double sending-off and the melee it sparked.&nbsp;

In the first half of the game, Messi was red-carded after getting into a verbal argument with Chile midfielder Gary Medel that later turned into an ugly confrontation.&nbsp;

Along with Messi, Medel was also ejected.&nbsp;

It was Messi's&nbsp;second career red card as&nbsp;the first also for Argentina for elbowing an opponent against Hungary back in 2005 in his debut match.&nbsp;

In the 37th minute of the game, Messi and Medel got involved in a ball dispute near an end line.&nbsp;

Messi came in hard from behind to try to take the ball but Medel wasn't happy as both the players got into each other's faces.&nbsp;

Medel started to push Messi and both the players bumped into each other with their chests and shoulders.&nbsp;

Referee Mario Diaz de Vivar intervened immediately and sent off both players.&nbsp;

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Messi fan boys won't show you who drew the first blood. 
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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda criticised the referee's decision to send off both players in the first half.

"I saw the replay and I cannot understand what he did to be sent off. It would be interesting to heard from the referee what he saw, and what the VAR people did they saw," said Scaloni.&nbsp;

"It was obvious that the referee took a very quick and strange decision, and the worse of all was that VAR did not rectify his decision," he added.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Rueda said, "It was a pity what happened. it was a situation that it could have been managed (by the referee) in a different way with both teams playing with 10-men."

In the Copa final, Brazil will face Peru.&nbsp;

Argentina defeated Chile 2-1 in the third-place playoff at the Copa America on Saturday in an ill-tempered match that will be remembered for the double sending-off and the melee it sparked.

Argentina defeated Chile 2-1 in the third-place playoff at the Copa America on Saturday in an ill-tempered match that will be remembered for the double sending-off and the melee it sparked. In the first half of the game, Messi was red-carded after getting into a verbal argument with Chile midfielder Gary Medel that later turned into an ugly confrontation. Along with Messi, Medel was also ejected. It was Messi's second career red card as the first also for Argentina for elbowing an opponent against Hungary back in 2005 in his debut match. In the 37th minute of the game, Messi and Medel got involved in a ball dispute near an end line. Messi came in hard from behind to try to take the ball but Medel wasn't happy as both the players got into each other's faces. Medel started to push Messi and both the players bumped into each other with their chests and shoulders. Referee Mario Diaz de Vivar intervened immediately and sent off both players. Watch the video: Messi fan boys won't show you who drew the first blood. . They are focused on the agenda to defend the midget. pic.twitter.com/IEFm3diEKe — Iron Born 💪🏽 (@Ikemchingy) July 6, 2019 × Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda criticised the referee's decision to send off both players in the first half. "I saw the replay and I cannot understand what he did to be sent off. It would be interesting to heard from the referee what he saw, and what the VAR people did they saw," said Scaloni. "It was obvious that the referee took a very quick and strange decision, and the worse of all was that VAR did not rectify his decision," he added. On the other hand, Rueda said, "It was a pity what happened. it was a situation that it could have been managed (by the referee) in a different way with both teams playing with 10-men." In the Copa final, Brazil will face Peru.

Argentina's Lionel Messi receives second red card of his career

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

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

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

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

Brazilian superstar Neymar wants to return to Barcelona two years after quitting the club to join Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona's vice-president said Thursday.

"What is correct, at the current time, what I have read, what I have heard, which seems exact, is that Neymar wants to come back to Barcelona," Jordi Cardoner told a press conference at the Camp Nou.

But he stressed that Barcelona had made no contact so far with the world's most expensive footballer who joined the French champions for €222 million.

For the moment the club acknowledged Neymar's interest in returning to Barcelona but said there was no recruitment effort on their part to resign him.

"To say that Barca is working on recruiting Neymar, that is something I cannot agree with," Cardoner said.

"For the moment all that is happening -- and not only with Neymar -- is that a number of players would like to play for a great club like Barcelona. We will see what happens in timely fashion."&nbsp;

"We are currently working on the phase of deciding which players we will not be keeping on next season," said Cardoner.

"We are recruiting no-one at the moment, especially not this player (Neymar) with whom we have had no contact."&nbsp;

However, media reports indicated that intermediaries between PSG and Barca had hammered out the terms of the deal which would free the Brazilian star to return to Barcelona this summer.

According to other Spanish media reports this week, Neymar has offered to take a pay cut of €12 million a year to return to the club and Barca have reached a 'verbal agreement' to take him back.

The 27-year-old spent four years at Camp Nou, winning the Champions League in 2015 and two La Liga titles in a potent attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Any return for Neymar would likely require Barca to raise funds through sales. Antoine Griezmann is expected to join from Atletico Madrid for €120 million while Frenkie de Jong has already signed for 75 million euros from Ajax.

The pay cut would see Neymar's salary clipped from around €36 million at PSG to the €24 million he received at Barca prior to his departure in 2017, according to the reports.&nbsp;

Brazilian superstar Neymar wants to return to Barcelona two years after quitting the club to join Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona's vice-president said Thursday. "What is correct, at the current time, what I have read, what I have heard, which seems exact, is that Neymar wants to come back to Barcelona," Jordi Cardoner told a press conference at the Camp Nou.

Brazilian superstar Neymar wants to return to Barcelona two years after quitting the club to join Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona's vice-president said Thursday. "What is correct, at the current time, what I have read, what I have heard, which seems exact, is that Neymar wants to come back to Barcelona," Jordi Cardoner told a press conference at the Camp Nou. But he stressed that Barcelona had made no contact so far with the world's most expensive footballer who joined the French champions for €222 million. For the moment the club acknowledged Neymar's interest in returning to Barcelona but said there was no recruitment effort on their part to resign him. "To say that Barca is working on recruiting Neymar, that is something I cannot agree with," Cardoner said. "For the moment all that is happening -- and not only with Neymar -- is that a number of players would like to play for a great club like Barcelona. We will see what happens in timely fashion." "We are currently working on the phase of deciding which players we will not be keeping on next season," said Cardoner. "We are recruiting no-one at the moment, especially not this player (Neymar) with whom we have had no contact." However, media reports indicated that intermediaries between PSG and Barca had hammered out the terms of the deal which would free the Brazilian star to return to Barcelona this summer. According to other Spanish media reports this week, Neymar has offered to take a pay cut of €12 million a year to return to the club and Barca have reached a 'verbal agreement' to take him back. The 27-year-old spent four years at Camp Nou, winning the Champions League in 2015 and two La Liga titles in a potent attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Any return for Neymar would likely require Barca to raise funds through sales. Antoine Griezmann is expected to join from Atletico Madrid for €120 million while Frenkie de Jong has already signed for 75 million euros from Ajax. The pay cut would see Neymar's salary clipped from around €36 million at PSG to the €24 million he received at Barca prior to his departure in 2017, according to the reports.

Neymar wants Barcelona return, says club's vice-president

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

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

Colombia started their Copa America campaign on a high note as they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-roger-martinez-cracker-helps-colombia-past-argentina-227523">defeating Lionel Messi's Argentina</a> 2-0, however, Colombian defender Yerry Mina believes that the team has not achieved the desired results yet.&nbsp;

"Right now we are not where we want to be but we not far away. I think, step-by-step, we are doing things well," said the Everton defender while speaking to media at the Palmeiras training center in Sao Paulo on Monday.

Colombia have won the Copa America title in 2001 and they were runners-up in 1975, and they entered the tournament as favourites.&nbsp;

Colombia have under-achieved in their recent Copa outings but now they look determined to do better this year, especially under the orders of the highly-experienced Queiroz.&nbsp;

"Individually, I'm very happy because the team is united and calm," said Mina.&nbsp;

"To be honest, if we want to achieve something (important), we must work hard and that's what we are doing, especially understanding what the coach wants from us - which is very important," he added.&nbsp;

If Colombia manage to defeat Qatar, they are through to the knock-out round but Qatar could be a difficult quest.&nbsp;

Qatar fought back a 2-0 deficit against Paraguay to gain a point last Sunday.&nbsp;

Colombia started their Copa America campaign on a high note as they defeating Lionel Messi's Argentina 2-0, however, Colombian defender Yerry Mina believes that the team has not achieved the desired results yet.

Colombia started their Copa America campaign on a high note as they defeating Lionel Messi's Argentina 2-0, however, Colombian defender Yerry Mina believes that the team has not achieved the desired results yet. "Right now we are not where we want to be but we not far away. I think, step-by-step, we are doing things well," said the Everton defender while speaking to media at the Palmeiras training center in Sao Paulo on Monday. Colombia have won the Copa America title in 2001 and they were runners-up in 1975, and they entered the tournament as favourites. Colombia have under-achieved in their recent Copa outings but now they look determined to do better this year, especially under the orders of the highly-experienced Queiroz. "Individually, I'm very happy because the team is united and calm," said Mina. "To be honest, if we want to achieve something (important), we must work hard and that's what we are doing, especially understanding what the coach wants from us - which is very important," he added. If Colombia manage to defeat Qatar, they are through to the knock-out round but Qatar could be a difficult quest. Qatar fought back a 2-0 deficit against Paraguay to gain a point last Sunday.

Copa America: Colombia not far away, says defender Yerry Mina

Roger Martinez scored an outstanding goal as Colombia beat Argentina 2-0 in an exciting finale to a Copa America Group B opener on Saturday that burst into life after a sluggish start.

Just as Colombia looked like being overwhelmed by a dangerous-looking Argentina side, substitute Martinez controlled a cross-field ball on the left wing in the 71st minute before cutting across the area and smashing it into the far top corner.

His fellow substitute Duvan Zapata made doubly sure Colombia would record their first win over Argentina since 2007 by pouncing from close range to knock in a cross from Jefferson Lerma 15 minutes later.

"We knew that it was a long time since we beat Argentina and we're delighted," Zapata told reporters.

"We'll enjoy this, it's a great result but the tournament goes on and there are lot of difficult games to go."

Both sets of supporters whipped up a lively atmosphere at a near-full Arena Fonte Nova, providing a much-needed boost for tournament organisers CONMEBOL after over 40,000 seats were left empty in Peru's game with Venezuela earlier in the day.

The fans were struggling for anything to get excited about as the first half dragged on, however.

Colombia initially looked stronger but Argentina were a different beast when Rodrigo de Paul replaced Angel di Maria immediately after the interval and captain Lionel Messi was able to find space to cause some problems.

Messi wasted the best chance of the game before Martinez's piledriver broke the deadlock when he skewed a rebound wide from close range, and the Barcelona forward also went on a thrilling solo run into the area but could not get a shot away.

A mass brawl ensued when Messi was cut down by Colombia's Juan Cuadrado in the second half while Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes fizzed two shots at goal.

A goal from Lionel Scaloni's side looked imminent but Colombia's usual talisman James Rodriguez split their defence with an impressive long pass to Martinez, who had come on early in the game after Luis Muriel was forced off by injury.

Martinez's stunning strike floored Argentina and although they came back with a couple more attempts, they never looked like scoring.

"We were good in the first 20 mins then we had a bad end to the half,"," said Scaloni.

"We lost the ball a lot but in the second half we were very superior to Colombia. Then, when we were playing at our best, they scored on the counterattack."

The coach also complained about the state of the pitch, calling it "lamentable".

"But the thing I will take from the game is that we were able to adjust and improve in the second half," he added. "That might not sound like much but it will help us in our next games."

Argentina, who won the last of their 14 South American titles in 1993, face Paraguay in their second match in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday.

Colombia, Copa America champions once in 2001, top Group B with three points ahead of Qatar's meeting with Paraguay on Sunday. They next play the Qataris in Sao Paulo, also on Wednesday.

Roger Martinez scored an outstanding goal as Colombia beat Argentina 2-0 in an exciting finale to a Copa America Group B opener on Saturday that burst into life after a sluggish start.

Roger Martinez scored an outstanding goal as Colombia beat Argentina 2-0 in an exciting finale to a Copa America Group B opener on Saturday that burst into life after a sluggish start. Just as Colombia looked like being overwhelmed by a dangerous-looking Argentina side, substitute Martinez controlled a cross-field ball on the left wing in the 71st minute before cutting across the area and smashing it into the far top corner. His fellow substitute Duvan Zapata made doubly sure Colombia would record their first win over Argentina since 2007 by pouncing from close range to knock in a cross from Jefferson Lerma 15 minutes later. "We knew that it was a long time since we beat Argentina and we're delighted," Zapata told reporters. "We'll enjoy this, it's a great result but the tournament goes on and there are lot of difficult games to go." Both sets of supporters whipped up a lively atmosphere at a near-full Arena Fonte Nova, providing a much-needed boost for tournament organisers CONMEBOL after over 40,000 seats were left empty in Peru's game with Venezuela earlier in the day. The fans were struggling for anything to get excited about as the first half dragged on, however. Colombia initially looked stronger but Argentina were a different beast when Rodrigo de Paul replaced Angel di Maria immediately after the interval and captain Lionel Messi was able to find space to cause some problems. Messi wasted the best chance of the game before Martinez's piledriver broke the deadlock when he skewed a rebound wide from close range, and the Barcelona forward also went on a thrilling solo run into the area but could not get a shot away. A mass brawl ensued when Messi was cut down by Colombia's Juan Cuadrado in the second half while Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes fizzed two shots at goal. A goal from Lionel Scaloni's side looked imminent but Colombia's usual talisman James Rodriguez split their defence with an impressive long pass to Martinez, who had come on early in the game after Luis Muriel was forced off by injury. Martinez's stunning strike floored Argentina and although they came back with a couple more attempts, they never looked like scoring. "We were good in the first 20 mins then we had a bad end to the half,"," said Scaloni. "We lost the ball a lot but in the second half we were very superior to Colombia. Then, when we were playing at our best, they scored on the counterattack." The coach also complained about the state of the pitch, calling it "lamentable". "But the thing I will take from the game is that we were able to adjust and improve in the second half," he added. "That might not sound like much but it will help us in our next games." Argentina, who won the last of their 14 South American titles in 1993, face Paraguay in their second match in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday. Colombia, Copa America champions once in 2001, top Group B with three points ahead of Qatar's meeting with Paraguay on Sunday. They next play the Qataris in Sao Paulo, also on Wednesday.

Copa America: Roger Martinez cracker helps Colombia past Argentina

Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico has praised captain <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/hope-messi-can-play-in-copa-america-says-argentina-coach-lionel-scaloni-192788&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjY19ns6OriAhXXV30KHem9BxEQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1jYYgB3nQB4igmljf4GP74">Lionel Messi</a> for his desire to win a trophy for his country as they begin their quest to end a 26-year wait for silverware with their Copa America opener against Colombia on Saturday.

Messi took time out after their limp 2018 World Cup campaign ended with defeat by eventual champions France but the Barcelona forward returned to the team earlier this year to prepare for the Copa -- the last trophy Argentina won, in 1993.

Messi, now 31, also quit the national team after losing the 2016 Copa America final to Chile, a fourth successive defeat in a major final for Argentina after agonising losses in the 2007 and 2015 Copa finals and the 2014 World Cup showpiece.

"I am lucky enough to have been in the same team as Messi before and his desire is what impresses me the most," Tagliafico told a news conference ahead of the Group B game at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador.

"He keeps wanting to come back and keep trying, it's incredible. He is the same as he was at the World Cup, he is calm, relaxed and has the same desire as ever,"&nbsp;Tagliafico said.

Coach Lionel Scaloni echoed the defender's description of Argentina's all-time top scorer Messi, who has been unable to replicate his achievements with Barcelona for his country.

"I want to emphasise his enthusiasm to play football. He was born to play football, he was born to win. We are impressed by his enthusiasm and the fact he is here sharing that desire to win with us makes us enormously happy," Scaloni said.

Scaloni revealed his entire starting lineup against Colombia, putting Messi in a familiar front three alongside veteran forwards Angel di Maria and <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=2ahUKEwjY19ns6OriAhXXV30KHem9BxEQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1-0nGYu-w9B0qneDEUJSVg">Sergio Aguero.</a>

The midfield will be formed by the relatively inexperienced trio of Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes and Guido Rodriguez, while Tagliafico will be joined in defence by Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella and Renzo Saravia, with Franco Armani in goal.

Third-choice goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has been withdrawn from the squad after suffering a knee injury on Thursday and replaced by Udinese's Juan Musso.

Scaloni has been in temporary charge since the World Cup and has expressed a desire to stay in the job after the Copa America, but said he would not be judged for his results alone.

"The most important thing is not just the results but how you get them, it's important that the fans can identify themselves with the team and like the way we play," he added.

Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico has praised captain Lionel Messi for his desire to win a trophy for his country as they begin their quest to end a 26-year wait for silverware with their Copa America opener against Colombia on Saturday.

Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico has praised captain Lionel Messi for his desire to win a trophy for his country as they begin their quest to end a 26-year wait for silverware with their Copa America opener against Colombia on Saturday. Messi took time out after their limp 2018 World Cup campaign ended with defeat by eventual champions France but the Barcelona forward returned to the team earlier this year to prepare for the Copa -- the last trophy Argentina won, in 1993. Messi, now 31, also quit the national team after losing the 2016 Copa America final to Chile, a fourth successive defeat in a major final for Argentina after agonising losses in the 2007 and 2015 Copa finals and the 2014 World Cup showpiece. "I am lucky enough to have been in the same team as Messi before and his desire is what impresses me the most," Tagliafico told a news conference ahead of the Group B game at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador. "He keeps wanting to come back and keep trying, it's incredible. He is the same as he was at the World Cup, he is calm, relaxed and has the same desire as ever," Tagliafico said. Coach Lionel Scaloni echoed the defender's description of Argentina's all-time top scorer Messi, who has been unable to replicate his achievements with Barcelona for his country. "I want to emphasise his enthusiasm to play football. He was born to play football, he was born to win. We are impressed by his enthusiasm and the fact he is here sharing that desire to win with us makes us enormously happy," Scaloni said. Scaloni revealed his entire starting lineup against Colombia, putting Messi in a familiar front three alongside veteran forwards Angel di Maria and Sergio Aguero. The midfield will be formed by the relatively inexperienced trio of Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes and Guido Rodriguez, while Tagliafico will be joined in defence by Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella and Renzo Saravia, with Franco Armani in goal. Third-choice goalkeeper Esteban Andrada has been withdrawn from the squad after suffering a knee injury on Thursday and replaced by Udinese's Juan Musso. Scaloni has been in temporary charge since the World Cup and has expressed a desire to stay in the job after the Copa America, but said he would not be judged for his results alone. "The most important thing is not just the results but how you get them, it's important that the fans can identify themselves with the team and like the way we play," he added.

Argentina's Lionel Messi hopes to end trophy heartache at Copa America

Barcelona and Argentina striker Lionel Messi dethroned five-division boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather as the highest paid athlete over the past year, according to the annual list published by business magazine Forbes on Tuesday.

Messi, who scored 36 goals while leading Barcelona to the La Liga title this year, earned $127 million between his salary and endorsements to move up one spot on the list of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-cricketer-virat-kohli-among-worlds-highest-paid-athletes-forbes-226362">world's 100 highest-paid athletes.</a>

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo ($109 million), Paris Saint-Germain forward <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-lawyer-for-neymars-rape-accuser-considers-dropping-case-report-225793&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqkOKanOPiAhXimeYKHensAMkQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2yI47Q2cgoHHA1b3-ROdaW">Neymar </a>($105 million), Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez ($94 million) and Swiss tennis great Roger Federer ($93.4 million) rounded out the top five.

Mayweather, who topped the list in 2018 and four times in seven years, only had an exhibition match last December in Japan and did not crack the top 100, which is comprised of athletes from 10 different sports.

Players from the National Basketball Association led all sports with 35 players among the top 100, none higher than Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James who was ranked eighth with total earnings of $89 million.

American football was the next most-represented sport with 19 players, followed by baseball with 15, and soccer with 12.

According to Forbes, the highest-paid athletes of its list collectively earned $4 billion over the last 12 months, up 5% from last year's earnings of $3.8 billion.

Forbes also said Americans dominate the list with 62 athletes, which it credits to sky-high salaries in the major sports leagues.

The United Kingdom has five athletes, France and Spain have three, while Brazil, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Serbia and Venezuela all have two.

Barcelona and Argentina striker Lionel Messi dethroned five-division boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather as the highest paid athlete over the past year, according to the annual list published by business magazine Forbes on Tuesday.

Barcelona and Argentina striker Lionel Messi dethroned five-division boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather as the highest paid athlete over the past year, according to the annual list published by business magazine Forbes on Tuesday. Messi, who scored 36 goals while leading Barcelona to the La Liga title this year, earned $127 million between his salary and endorsements to move up one spot on the list of the world's 100 highest-paid athletes. Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo ($109 million), Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar ($105 million), Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez ($94 million) and Swiss tennis great Roger Federer ($93.4 million) rounded out the top five. Mayweather, who topped the list in 2018 and four times in seven years, only had an exhibition match last December in Japan and did not crack the top 100, which is comprised of athletes from 10 different sports. Players from the National Basketball Association led all sports with 35 players among the top 100, none higher than Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James who was ranked eighth with total earnings of $89 million. American football was the next most-represented sport with 19 players, followed by baseball with 15, and soccer with 12. According to Forbes, the highest-paid athletes of its list collectively earned $4 billion over the last 12 months, up 5% from last year's earnings of $3.8 billion. Forbes also said Americans dominate the list with 62 athletes, which it credits to sky-high salaries in the major sports leagues. The United Kingdom has five athletes, France and Spain have three, while Brazil, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Serbia and Venezuela all have two.

Lionel Messi tops Forbes list of 'highest-paid athletes', beats Ronaldo, Neymar

Messi unseats Mayweather as highest-paid athlete: Forbes

Lionel Messi beats Cristiano Ronaldo in Forbes top 100, Virat Kohli only Indian in list

Lionel Messi has long craved a suitable strike partner so that he can win a major trophy with Argentina and the return of his friend <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-still-driven-to-win-with-argentina-insists-sergio-aguero-223110&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiXhvCz4-DiAhVh7nMBHfBgCNcQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vLSmTKr7TrCRkeUUa479k">Sergio Aguero</a> has given the nation renewed hope of winning the Copa America.

Even though he is third on Argentina's list of all-time top scorers and has a prolific record with Manchester City, Aguero has started only 14 games in major tournaments since making his World Cup debut in 2010.

But with Gonzalo Higuain retired, he is set to play a central role in Brazil.

Aguero played his part in memorable triumphs for his country at youth level, twice winning the under-20 World Cup as well as claiming an Olympic gold medal alongside Messi at the 2008 Beijing Games.

But he is desperate to win a major international trophy, above all for Messi, who has lost four finals with the national team, missing out on the last two Copa America finals with painful penalty shootout defeats to Chile.

"I'm more excited about winning for Leo than for myself because he has played for so long and he has suffered so much," Aguero told Fox Sports.

"Whenever I talk with Leo, we always say 'Pray that one day it happens for us'. It's what he wants and it's what we all want. I put myself in his shoes and I want to do the best," Aguero said

Just as <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-broke-down-in-dressing-room-after-barcelonas-humiliating-defeat-to-liverpool-217028&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwqY2g4-DiAhVK6nMBHW0zClgQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw15Hbae0VU2MWfGomU-GTV_">Messi </a>has been unable to replicate his glut of trophies with Barcelona on the international stage, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/funny-twitter-reactions-after-sergio-aguero-misses-penalty-against-tottenham-hotspur-in-champions-league-clash-209187&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiXhvCz4-DiAhVh7nMBHfBgCNcQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EcRrRprAD6q3d184eUW26">Aguero </a>also showed a desire to balance his considerable success at City with a prize with Argentina after winning a domestic treble.

"I'm feeling fit and I finished the season well, I have no injuries and I want to do the same for Argentina as I do with City," he added.

Argentina face a daunting opening game in Group B against Colombia but should be confident of beating Paraguay and Qatar to progress to the quarter-finals.

Coach Lionel Scaloni was not the most glamorous of choices to succeed Jorge Sampaoli after their woeful World Cup campaign.

However, the former defender, who was an assistant to Sampaoli, has earned six wins in nine friendly games with the team.

He has picked a side largely lacking in experience but containing exciting young players such as Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Inter Milan forward Lauturo Martinez.

Messi has admitted that unlike previous Copa America tournaments, his side are no longer the favourites, but that should not affect their ambition.

"We go there with the same excitement and hope as always but the reality is we are in a period of transition and are not candidates," Messi said.

"There are many new players with few games but we're going to try and win it as we always have done. A Copa America is so important, whether it's in Brazil or anywhere else. It's been a long time since Argentina won it," Messi said.

Argentina won the last of their 14 Copa America titles in 1993.

Lionel Messi has long craved a suitable strike partner so that he can win a major trophy with Argentina and the return of his friend Sergio Aguero has given the nation renewed hope of winning the Copa America.

Lionel Messi has long craved a suitable strike partner so that he can win a major trophy with Argentina and the return of his friend Sergio Aguero has given the nation renewed hope of winning the Copa America. Even though he is third on Argentina's list of all-time top scorers and has a prolific record with Manchester City, Aguero has started only 14 games in major tournaments since making his World Cup debut in 2010. But with Gonzalo Higuain retired, he is set to play a central role in Brazil. Aguero played his part in memorable triumphs for his country at youth level, twice winning the under-20 World Cup as well as claiming an Olympic gold medal alongside Messi at the 2008 Beijing Games. But he is desperate to win a major international trophy, above all for Messi, who has lost four finals with the national team, missing out on the last two Copa America finals with painful penalty shootout defeats to Chile. "I'm more excited about winning for Leo than for myself because he has played for so long and he has suffered so much," Aguero told Fox Sports. "Whenever I talk with Leo, we always say 'Pray that one day it happens for us'. It's what he wants and it's what we all want. I put myself in his shoes and I want to do the best," Aguero said Just as Messi has been unable to replicate his glut of trophies with Barcelona on the international stage, Aguero also showed a desire to balance his considerable success at City with a prize with Argentina after winning a domestic treble. "I'm feeling fit and I finished the season well, I have no injuries and I want to do the same for Argentina as I do with City," he added. Argentina face a daunting opening game in Group B against Colombia but should be confident of beating Paraguay and Qatar to progress to the quarter-finals. Coach Lionel Scaloni was not the most glamorous of choices to succeed Jorge Sampaoli after their woeful World Cup campaign. However, the former defender, who was an assistant to Sampaoli, has earned six wins in nine friendly games with the team. He has picked a side largely lacking in experience but containing exciting young players such as Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Inter Milan forward Lauturo Martinez. Messi has admitted that unlike previous Copa America tournaments, his side are no longer the favourites, but that should not affect their ambition. "We go there with the same excitement and hope as always but the reality is we are in a period of transition and are not candidates," Messi said. "There are many new players with few games but we're going to try and win it as we always have done. A Copa America is so important, whether it's in Brazil or anywhere else. It's been a long time since Argentina won it," Messi said. Argentina won the last of their 14 Copa America titles in 1993.

Sergio Aguero's return lifts Messi's hopes of Copa America glory for Argentina

India cricket captain Virat Kohli has once again become the sole Indian in the Forbes 2019 list of world's highest-paid athletes,&nbsp; 
Ranked 100th in the table.

Kohli is last on the list of top-100 athletes, headed by Barcelona and Argentina football superstar Lionel Messi, announced on Tuesday.

According to the Forbes list, Kohli estimated earnings is $21 million from endorsements and $4 million from salary and winnings, taking his total tally to USD25m for the last 12 months.

Ranked 83rd on last year's list, Kohli has climbed down to the 100th spot despite an increase of $1 million in endorsements.

Meanwhile, Messi has dethroned retired boxer Floyd Mayweather as the sports world's highest earner, raking in $127 million via salary and endorsement deals.

Messi is now ahead of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, the Juventus and Portugal star is was second with earnings of $109 million. 
&nbsp;

India cricket captain Virat Kohli has once again become the sole Indian in the Forbes 2019 list of world's highest-paid athletes, Ranked 100th in the table. Kohli is last on the list of top-100 athletes, headed by Barcelona and Argentina football superstar Lionel Messi, announced on Tuesday.

India cricket captain Virat Kohli has once again become the sole Indian in the Forbes 2019 list of world's highest-paid athletes, Ranked 100th in the table. Kohli is last on the list of top-100 athletes, headed by Barcelona and Argentina football superstar Lionel Messi, announced on Tuesday. According to the Forbes list, Kohli estimated earnings is $21 million from endorsements and $4 million from salary and winnings, taking his total tally to USD25m for the last 12 months. Ranked 83rd on last year's list, Kohli has climbed down to the 100th spot despite an increase of $1 million in endorsements. Meanwhile, Messi has dethroned retired boxer Floyd Mayweather as the sports world's highest earner, raking in $127 million via salary and endorsement deals. Messi is now ahead of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, the Juventus and Portugal star is was second with earnings of $109 million.

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli among world's highest-paid athletes: Forbes

Preview of the 12 teams taking part in 2019 Copa America

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=lionel+messi">Lionel&nbsp;Messi</a>&nbsp;still "loves" the Argentine national team despite more than a decade of disappointments, international team-mate Sergio Aguero said on Thursday as the pair prepare for the Copa America in neighbouring Brazil.

Despite trophy cupboards laden with club accolades, both&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;and Aguero have suffered much heartache with the Argentine national team.

Messi, Argentina's all-time leading scorer, and Aguero were part of the Argentine squads that lost three major finals in successive years at the 2014 World Cup, 2015 Copa America and 2016 Centenario Copa America.

Messi&nbsp;was also a beaten finalist in the 2007 continental tournament.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's national team frustrations are well known and at 31 he is fast running out of opportunities to win a major international honour with his country.

He has already retired from international duty once before -- albeit briefly -- and took eight months off following Argentina's World Cup last 16 exit just under a year ago.

"We all know the desire that Leo has when he comes here," said Aguero from Argentina's training base just outside Buenos Aires.

"The happiness he transmits is fundamental for us because we know very well how much he loves the national team."

Disappointment

Despite winning Spain's La Liga for the 10th time with Barcelona this season, it was a disappointing one for&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;even at club level.

He made no secret of his desire to win the Champions League this season, even admitting before the campaign began how much he wanted to bring that "beautiful cup back to Camp Nou."

He's won it four times with Barca but not since 2015, and in the last three seasons the Catalan giants have been eliminated after crushing away defeats -- the last two of those despite taking a three-goal advantage into their second leg matches from the first leg at the Camp Nou.

At the weekend, Barca also lost 2-1 to Valencia in the Copa del Rey final.

"No-one likes to lose. Obviously, he's been disappointed in the last competitions after the Champions League and Copa del Rey" defeats, said Aguero.

"But he's great, he's experienced, he knows football is like this, that there is joy and in some moments there is sadness... He knows that better than anyone."

The Argentine national team has been training at home this week ahead of a pre-Copa friendly against Nicaragua on June 7.

They will then leave for Brazil where&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;and his partners will begin their Group B campaign against Colombia in Salvador on June 15.

They will also play Paraguay and Asian champions and the next World Cup hosts Qatar, first time guests to South America's major showpiece.

While&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;and Aguero have more than 200 caps and over 100 international goals between them, much of coach Lionel Scaloni's squad is made up of inexperienced youngsters.

"Most of us are new, there's a new coaching staff. (But) Argentina is Argentina, us players will fight until the end for Argentina to be the best," said Aguero.

Lionel Messi still "loves" the Argentine national team despite more than a decade of disappointments, international team-mate Sergio Aguero said on Thursday as the pair prepare for the Copa America in neighbouring Brazil.

Lionel Messi still "loves" the Argentine national team despite more than a decade of disappointments, international team-mate Sergio Aguero said on Thursday as the pair prepare for the Copa America in neighbouring Brazil. Despite trophy cupboards laden with club accolades, both Messi and Aguero have suffered much heartache with the Argentine national team. Messi, Argentina's all-time leading scorer, and Aguero were part of the Argentine squads that lost three major finals in successive years at the 2014 World Cup, 2015 Copa America and 2016 Centenario Copa America. Messi was also a beaten finalist in the 2007 continental tournament. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's national team frustrations are well known and at 31 he is fast running out of opportunities to win a major international honour with his country. He has already retired from international duty once before -- albeit briefly -- and took eight months off following Argentina's World Cup last 16 exit just under a year ago. "We all know the desire that Leo has when he comes here," said Aguero from Argentina's training base just outside Buenos Aires. "The happiness he transmits is fundamental for us because we know very well how much he loves the national team." Disappointment Despite winning Spain's La Liga for the 10th time with Barcelona this season, it was a disappointing one for Messi even at club level. He made no secret of his desire to win the Champions League this season, even admitting before the campaign began how much he wanted to bring that "beautiful cup back to Camp Nou." He's won it four times with Barca but not since 2015, and in the last three seasons the Catalan giants have been eliminated after crushing away defeats -- the last two of those despite taking a three-goal advantage into their second leg matches from the first leg at the Camp Nou. At the weekend, Barca also lost 2-1 to Valencia in the Copa del Rey final. "No-one likes to lose. Obviously, he's been disappointed in the last competitions after the Champions League and Copa del Rey" defeats, said Aguero. "But he's great, he's experienced, he knows football is like this, that there is joy and in some moments there is sadness... He knows that better than anyone." The Argentine national team has been training at home this week ahead of a pre-Copa friendly against Nicaragua on June 7. They will then leave for Brazil where Messi and his partners will begin their Group B campaign against Colombia in Salvador on June 15. They will also play Paraguay and Asian champions and the next World Cup hosts Qatar, first time guests to South America's major showpiece. While Messi and Aguero have more than 200 caps and over 100 international goals between them, much of coach Lionel Scaloni's squad is made up of inexperienced youngsters. "Most of us are new, there's a new coaching staff. (But) Argentina is Argentina, us players will fight until the end for Argentina to be the best," said Aguero.

Lionel Messi still driven to win with Argentina, insists Sergio Aguero

Lionel Messi has become the first player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award for three straight years after his nearest challenger Kylian Mbappe failed to score the four goals he needed in Paris St Germain's final league match of the season on Friday.

Messi earned the honour, which goes to the leading scorer in league matches in Europe's top divisions, for a record-extending sixth time after finding the net 36 times for Barcelona, while Mbappe ended the campaign on 33 goals after scoring PSG's only goal in a 3-1 loss at Stade de Reims.

While Messi's goal haul helped his side clinch the La Liga title last month the 31-year-old Argentine said earlier on Friday that he was not giving the Golden Shoe race much thought with the side still coming to terms with their Champions League semi-final elimination to Liverpool.

"I haven't been thinking about that prize at all, we are still coping with what happened against Liverpool and I'm not thinking about personal awards," Messi told a news conference ahead of Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Valencia.

Lionel Messi has become the first player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award for three straight years after his nearest challenger Kylian Mbappe failed to score the four goals he needed in Paris St Germain's final league match of the season on Friday.

Lionel Messi has become the first player to win Europe's Golden Shoe award for three straight years after his nearest challenger Kylian Mbappe failed to score the four goals he needed in Paris St Germain's final league match of the season on Friday. Messi earned the honour, which goes to the leading scorer in league matches in Europe's top divisions, for a record-extending sixth time after finding the net 36 times for Barcelona, while Mbappe ended the campaign on 33 goals after scoring PSG's only goal in a 3-1 loss at Stade de Reims. While Messi's goal haul helped his side clinch the La Liga title last month the 31-year-old Argentine said earlier on Friday that he was not giving the Golden Shoe race much thought with the side still coming to terms with their Champions League semi-final elimination to Liverpool. "I haven't been thinking about that prize at all, we are still coping with what happened against Liverpool and I'm not thinking about personal awards," Messi told a news conference ahead of Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Valencia.

Lionel Messi finishes Europe's top scorer for third straight year

Lionel&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;wants Ernesto Valverde to continue as Barcelona coach but admits the team have not recovered from their Champions League loss to Liverpool as they face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final&nbsp;on Saturday.&nbsp;

After winning La Liga by 11 points, Barca can complete a domestic double by beating Valencia in Seville, but even that will not erase the disappointment of throwing away a three-goal lead at Anfield.&nbsp;

Valverde conceded his future was uncertain after the loss but the club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has since said the coach will remain in charge.

"I honestly believe the boss has done an impressive job during his time in charge,"&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;said at a press conference on Friday.&nbsp;

"I think that in the defeat to Liverpool, he is practically blameless, we are the only ones to blame for that match.

"That can happen one year. but two years in a row is unforgivable. The boss will obviously be partly to blame but it is the players even more.&nbsp;

"I would like him to continue. Last year, we did the double and even though it was stained by getting knocked out of the Champions League, this year we can win the double again.&nbsp;

"If you look at his two years, there have been two bad games, but beyond those the rest has been good."&nbsp;

Valverde was also asked again about his future.&nbsp;

"I have no complaints from the president or the board," said Valverde, who added: "You seem very worried, don't worry so much."&nbsp;

Barcelona were desperate to win the Champions League, after failing to reach the final in four consecutive years while also watching Real Madrid lift the trophy three times in a row.&nbsp;

Since losing to Liverpool, Valverde's team have beaten Getafe 2-0 at Camp Nou before ending the league season with a 2-2 draw away at Eibar on Sunday.&nbsp;

"We are still recovering from the game against Liverpool, at least I am, I just want to win this final and finish the year with another title,"&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

'Hard blow'

"It was a very hard blow and both I and the whole club have had a hard time lifting ourselves, which I think has been shown in the matches we have played since.&nbsp;

"It was hard but that's it, this is a final, it is a title and we have the chance to do a double.

"We need to think that we have to win, like in any other final that we play. Obviously not winning this final would be make things even worse."&nbsp;

Barcelona are chasing a record fifth consecutive Copa del Rey triumph to go with their eight La Liga titles in the last 11 years.&nbsp;

"After a bump so big we have to face things with integrity," said Valverde.&nbsp;

"You cannot hide your head in a hole and disappear off the map. We responded after Anfield in La Liga and now we cannot wriggle out in the cup.&nbsp;

"We have to go all out for a title we have been pursuing since January."&nbsp;

Valverde said Nelson Semedo has recovered from his head injury and is likely to be available while late decisions will be made on Arthur Melo and Philippe Coutinho, who are close to shaking off hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.&nbsp;

But Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele are all out, with Jasper Cillessen expected to start in goal.&nbsp;

Unlike Barcelona, Valencia are flying high after completing a late-season surge by finishing fourth in La Liga last weekend.&nbsp;

The club has not lifted &nbsp;trophy since they won the Copa del Rey in 2008.&nbsp;

"We have the experience that we have," coach Marcelino said on Friday. "There may be something missing in that regard but for sure, we have plenty of heart."&nbsp;

Lionel Messi wants Ernesto Valverde to continue as Barcelona coach but admits the team have not recovered from their Champions League loss to Liverpool as they face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.

Lionel Messi wants Ernesto Valverde to continue as Barcelona coach but admits the team have not recovered from their Champions League loss to Liverpool as they face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday. After winning La Liga by 11 points, Barca can complete a domestic double by beating Valencia in Seville, but even that will not erase the disappointment of throwing away a three-goal lead at Anfield. Valverde conceded his future was uncertain after the loss but the club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has since said the coach will remain in charge. "I honestly believe the boss has done an impressive job during his time in charge," Messi said at a press conference on Friday. "I think that in the defeat to Liverpool, he is practically blameless, we are the only ones to blame for that match. "That can happen one year. but two years in a row is unforgivable. The boss will obviously be partly to blame but it is the players even more. "I would like him to continue. Last year, we did the double and even though it was stained by getting knocked out of the Champions League, this year we can win the double again. "If you look at his two years, there have been two bad games, but beyond those the rest has been good." Valverde was also asked again about his future. "I have no complaints from the president or the board," said Valverde, who added: "You seem very worried, don't worry so much." Barcelona were desperate to win the Champions League, after failing to reach the final in four consecutive years while also watching Real Madrid lift the trophy three times in a row. Since losing to Liverpool, Valverde's team have beaten Getafe 2-0 at Camp Nou before ending the league season with a 2-2 draw away at Eibar on Sunday. "We are still recovering from the game against Liverpool, at least I am, I just want to win this final and finish the year with another title," Messi said. 'Hard blow' "It was a very hard blow and both I and the whole club have had a hard time lifting ourselves, which I think has been shown in the matches we have played since. "It was hard but that's it, this is a final, it is a title and we have the chance to do a double. "We need to think that we have to win, like in any other final that we play. Obviously not winning this final would be make things even worse." Barcelona are chasing a record fifth consecutive Copa del Rey triumph to go with their eight La Liga titles in the last 11 years. "After a bump so big we have to face things with integrity," said Valverde. "You cannot hide your head in a hole and disappear off the map. We responded after Anfield in La Liga and now we cannot wriggle out in the cup. "We have to go all out for a title we have been pursuing since January." Valverde said Nelson Semedo has recovered from his head injury and is likely to be available while late decisions will be made on Arthur Melo and Philippe Coutinho, who are close to shaking off hamstring and thigh injuries respectively. But Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele are all out, with Jasper Cillessen expected to start in goal. Unlike Barcelona, Valencia are flying high after completing a late-season surge by finishing fourth in La Liga last weekend. The club has not lifted trophy since they won the Copa del Rey in 2008. "We have the experience that we have," coach Marcelino said on Friday. "There may be something missing in that regard but for sure, we have plenty of heart."

Lionel Messi backs Valverde but admits Barca are still hurting

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