• Brazil's Dani Alves lifts up the trophy as Brazil celebrate their success. AP Photo
    Brazil's Dani Alves lifts up the trophy as Brazil celebrate their success. AP Photo
  • It was the first time since 2007 that Brazil had won the Copa America. AFP
    It was the first time since 2007 that Brazil had won the Copa America. AFP
  • The success sparked jubilant scenes at the Macarena Stadium. AFP
    The success sparked jubilant scenes at the Macarena Stadium. AFP
  • Brazil's goalkeeper Alisson raises the trophy. AFP
    Brazil's goalkeeper Alisson raises the trophy. AFP
  • Brazil's next target will be winning the World Cup for the first time since 2002 in 2022. AP Photo
    Brazil's next target will be winning the World Cup for the first time since 2002 in 2022. AP Photo
  • Celebrations went on for a long time in Rio as the Brazil players enjoyed their moment of victory. AFP
    Celebrations went on for a long time in Rio as the Brazil players enjoyed their moment of victory. AFP
  • Gabriel Jesus is sent off for Brazil. AP Photo
    Gabriel Jesus is sent off for Brazil. AP Photo
  • Peru's Andre Carrillo and Brazil's Alex Sandro vie for the ball. AFP
    Peru's Andre Carrillo and Brazil's Alex Sandro vie for the ball. AFP
  • Peru's Paolo Guerrero and Brazil's Everton enjoy an aerial duel. AFP
    Peru's Paolo Guerrero and Brazil's Everton enjoy an aerial duel. AFP
  • Peru's Paolo Guerrero is fouled by Jesus. AFP
    Peru's Paolo Guerrero is fouled by Jesus. AFP
  • A Brazil's supporter watches the Copa America final. AFP
    A Brazil's supporter watches the Copa America final. AFP
  • It was a tough night for Peru fans. AFP
    It was a tough night for Peru fans. AFP
  • Brazil supporters had plenty to cheer. AP Photo
    Brazil supporters had plenty to cheer. AP Photo
  • Peru's Paolo Guerrero goes for the ball with Brazil players Marquinho, right, and Arthur. AP Photo
    Peru's Paolo Guerrero goes for the ball with Brazil players Marquinho, right, and Arthur. AP Photo
  • Philippe Coutinho is challenged by Peru's Miguel Trauco. Getty
    Philippe Coutinho is challenged by Peru's Miguel Trauco. Getty
  • Peru's fans watching the game in Lima react to the defeat. AFP
    Peru's fans watching the game in Lima react to the defeat. AFP
  • Peru's players reflect on their loss. AP Photo
    Peru's players reflect on their loss. AP Photo
  • Dani Alves celebrates with fans. Getty
    Dani Alves celebrates with fans. Getty
  • Brazil manager Tite celebrates winning the Copa America with his children. Reuters
    Brazil manager Tite celebrates winning the Copa America with his children. Reuters
  • Peru's coach Ricardo Gareca leaves the field with his Peru players after the award ceremony. AP Photo
    Peru's coach Ricardo Gareca leaves the field with his Peru players after the award ceremony. AP Photo
  • Manager Tite celebrates Brazil's success. Getty
    Manager Tite celebrates Brazil's success. Getty
  • Peru's players acknowledge the crowd. AFP
    Peru's players acknowledge the crowd. AFP
  • Brazil players applaud the Peru team. Reuters
    Brazil players applaud the Peru team. Reuters

Coronavirus: Blow for Lionel Messi and Co as the 2020 Copa America postponed


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This year's Copa America has been postponed until 2021 due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus.

The 12-team tournament had originally been scheduled to take place from June 12 to July 12 in Colombia and Argentina but the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) have decided to call-off the tournament.

"This is an extraordinary measure for an unexpected situation and responds to the fundamental need to avoid the exponential evolution of the virus," said Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez.

Dominguez said the rescheduled tournament would be played between June 11 and July 11, 2021.

"It wasn't easy to take this decision but we must safeguard at all times the health of our players and all those who form part of the big South American football family. Have no doubts that the oldest international tournament in the world will be back stronger than ever in 2021."

The Copa America is one of the biggest draws on the football calendar, with players such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez, and James Rodriguez all expected to take part.

Brazil lifted the title last year for a ninth time when they defeated Peru 3-1 in the final held in Rio de Janeiro.

The news follows Uefa's decision to push back this year's men's European Championship to 2021.

This year’s Copa was due to be held in two countries for the first time in its 104-year history, with a northern group set for Colombia and a southern group due to be played in Argentina.

In addition to the 10 South American nations, Australia and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar were also invited.

The northern group comprised Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru and Qatar. The southern group featured Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Australia.

The tournament was scheduled to kick off in Buenos Aires on June 12, with the final in Barranquilla, Colombia on July 12.

The 2020 edition was set to be the fourth in six years but the haphazard organisation that saw it played so frequently was about to end as Conmebol tried to bring it into line with the European Championship.

This year’s tournament was supposed to be the last until 2024 as it becomes a regular quadrennial event.