Lionel Messi and Argentina train in Brazil before Copa America opener against Colombia - in pictures

The Barcelona striker and his teammates worked hard in a last session before the Group B game in Salvador

Lionel Messi keeps his eye on the ball during Argentina's final training session before they start their Copa America campaign on Saturday. Reuters

Messi enjoys a run during training. EPA

Messi controls the ball as he trains with his teammates in Salvador. AP Photo

Messi controls the ball as he trains with his teammates ahead of the Copa America. AP Photo

Messi, right, is closed down by teammate Nicolas Tagliafico during training. AFP

Messi enjoys a sit on the grass during the session. EPA

It was a busy session for Messi, right, and his teammates as they prepare to try and become the first Argentine side to win the Copa America since 1993. AFP

Messi gets a shot away during training. Reuters

Messi makes a run with the ball during training in Salvador. AP Photo

Messi with the ball at his feet. AFP

Messi, right, with Watford's Roberto Pereyra. AFP

Messi finds himself under pressure with the ball during training. AFP

Messi looks to get past Marcos Acuna during training. AFP

Messi controls the ball as his teammates look on. EPA

Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates completed their final training session before they begin their Copa America challenge on Thursday night in Brazil.

The squad, managed by Lionel Scaloni, were put through their paces in Salvador at the Itaipava Arena Font Nova where they will play Colombia in their first Group B game.

Messi, the side's captain, was at the centre of the action as he spoke with teammates throughout the session as well as showing his repertoire of skills.

Argentina have not won the tournament since 1993 and this will be Messi's fifth attempt at trying to get a winners' medal.

Three of the four Copa Americas involving Messi have seen Argentina fall short. They lost to Brazil in 2007 and then on penalties in both 2015 and 2016 against Chile.

Argentina's opening game with Colombia is on Saturday, but starts at 2am on Sunday UAE time.

Their other games in Group B are against Paraguay on June 19 in Bela Horizonte and then against Qatar on June 23 in Porte Alegre.