• Lionel Messi keeps his eye on the ball during Argentina's final training session before they start their Copa America campaign on Saturday. Reuters
    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 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 in Salvador. AP Photo
  • Messi controls the ball as he trains with his teammates ahead of the Copa America. 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, right, is closed down by teammate Nicolas Tagliafico during training. AFP
  • Messi enjoys a sit on the grass during the session. EPA
    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
    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 gets a shot away during training. Reuters
  • Messi makes a run with the ball during training in Salvador. AP Photo
    Messi makes a run with the ball during training in Salvador. AP Photo
  • Messi with the ball at his feet. AFP
    Messi with the ball at his feet. AFP
  • Messi, right, with Watford's Roberto Pereyra. AFP
    Messi, right, with Watford's Roberto Pereyra. AFP
  • Messi finds himself under pressure with the ball during training. AFP
    Messi finds himself under pressure with the ball during training. AFP
  • Messi looks to get past Marcos Acuna during training. AFP
    Messi looks to get past Marcos Acuna during training. AFP
  • Messi controls the ball as his teammates look on. EPA
    Messi controls the ball as his teammates look on. EPA

Lionel Messi leads Argentina against Colombia - what to look out for on Day 2 of the 2019 Copa America


Steve Luckings
  • English
  • Arabic

Hosts Brazil got the 2019 Copa America under way on Friday with a 3-0 victory over Bolivia in Sao Paulo.

Philippe Countinho's quickfire double and a spectacular striker from substitute Everton Soares got the competition off with a bang for Tite's side.

Saturday's Day 2 of action will see Lionel Messi's Argentina in action. The match against Colombia kicks off at 2am (Sunday) UAE time.

Here's what to look out for. All kick-off times are UAE.

Who is playing on Day 2 of the 2019 Copa America?

Paraguay v Qatar is the first match slated, with the Group B opener set for an 11pm kick off at the world famous Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. Qatar are one of two teams - Japan are the other - invited to contest this year's 12-team Copa America being held in Brazil.

The second match will see Messi begin his quest to finally land an elusive international trophy with Argentina.

The Group B match takes place at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador at 2am.

Who are the players to watch?

Messi has never won the trophy in four previous attempts, losing three finals including the last two, both to Chile.

The Barcelona forward turns 32 on June 24, and so this could well mark his final chance to answer critics who doubt his standing alongside compatriot Diego Maradona (who also never won a Copa America but did lift the 1986 World Cup).

Likely to line up alongside Messi is a wealth of attacking talent, with Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Angel di Maria thought to be favourites to line up alongside their captain in a front three.

The Albiceleste take take on a Colombia containing the likes of playaker ames Rodriguez, who endured a disappointing season on loan at German champions Bayern Munich.

Rodriguez told Bayern officials he did not wish to see out the second year of his loan deal and has instead returned to Real Madrid, where it remains to be seen if he features in manager Zinedine Zidane's plans, particularly after the arrival of Eden Hazard from Chelsea last week.

Colombia also boast the prolific Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, as well as Premier League players Yerry Mina, Davinson Sanchez, David Ospina and Jefferson Lima.

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

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