The Copa América returns, with Argentina taking on Canada and Colombia facing Uruguay in the semi-finals.
Before the usual theatrics begin, here are four major questions.
Can Messi reach one more final with Argentina?
We haven't seen the Inter Miami player play his best football during the competition. Even with the alien-like skills he develops and his influence off the court, his terrible statistics speak for themselves.
So far, Messi has zero goals, one assist, and a missed penalty, providing ample evidence that his retirement is imminent. The beginning of a natural finish to an extraordinary career. As a result, this semi-final is even more satisfying.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has previously stated that the 2022 World Cup would be his last. This implies that a second consecutive Copa América final this summer may be his last chance to win another championship with Argentina.
The captain's effect on his comrades is comparable to that of a god. If he can't do it all on his own this time, Emiliano Martinez, Lautaro Martinez, and others will step up to support the captain they admire. As they have already done.
What a scene it would be for Argentina to say 'Thank you, Messi' by giving him one more chance at international success by defeating Canada.
Argentina has reached the semi-finals of seven of their previous eight major competitions and won their last ten CONCACAF matches without allowing a goal.
Can Canada pull off the upset of the century?
Manager Jesse Marsch has just been in charge for six games, so he still doesn't completely understand who this squad is and what they can do. However, he has already made Canadian history. They are the fourth CONCACAF team to make the semi-finals, and the third to do it on their debut.
The Canucks showed the football world that they had nothing to fear. They faced holders Argentina in the Copa América opener and now face the World Cup champions again, knowing exactly what to anticipate.
It took tenacity, mental strength, and, most importantly, belief for the Canadians to get here. With the championship on the line, they are expected to lift their game.
Since Qatar 2022, Canada has unveiled itself one star at a time. Alphonso Davies, who was just named captain, is embracing a new level of responsibility, Jacob Shaffelburg has emerged as a clutch player on the international stage, and goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau has made great saves while standing on his head.
They haven't lost faith in the locker room and, according to Marsch, are an extremely close-knit group, even when winger Tajon Buchanan injured his leg mid-tournament.
They've put the country's heart on fire, and it will burn for a long time if they can pull off the century's biggest upset.
What happens to Colombia if we isolate James Rodriguez?
No team has been able to do so against Colombia, and the captain has used the Copa América stage to redefine himself.
Despite struggling at club level, the São Paulo ace transformed into a confident and creative player for the national squad this summer.
Rodriguez has played eight games for Colombia in 2024 and eight for the Brazilian club in all competitions. What's the difference? He's had more assists, shots, and fouls on the international stage.
His one goal and five assists thus far match Lionel Messi's total from the 2011 tournament, and he presently leads the charts in terms of chances created (14).
So what happens to Colombia if the linchpin is removed from the equation? Luis Diaz, Richard Rios, and Davinson Sanchez have all proven themselves capable of delivering. They will be asked to play at a higher level since Uruguay must isolate Rodriguez.
Colombia's incredible 27-game unbeaten streak is on the line, and they need every star to shine in the final.
His one goal and five assists thus far match Lionel Messi's total from the 2011 tournament, and he presently leads the charts in terms of chances created (14).
So what happens to Colombia if the linchpin is removed from the equation? Luis Diaz, Richard Rios, and Davinson Sanchez have all proven themselves capable of delivering. They will be asked to play at a higher level since Uruguay must isolate Rodriguez.
Colombia's incredible 27-game unbeaten streak is on the line, and they need every star to shine in the final.
Can Uruguay survive their most difficult test yet?
With a perfect winning streak and a lead of nine goals scored to one surrendered, the 'Favourites' championship was theirs. Until they encountered a formidable opponent.
The quarter-final match against Brazil will undoubtedly be scrappy. It was a horrible 90 minutes of choppy, foul-littered action that was difficult to stomach. The match ended with a startling 41 fouls, including Nahitan Nández being sent off for a risky challenge on Rodrygo.
Interestingly, this type of performance came against Uruguay's most formidable opponent. Bolivia, Panama, and the United States were largely overlooked.
While basically a shadow of the powerhouse we know them to be, Brazil successfully limited Uruguay's influence in the game. So, what does it say about Marcelo Bielsa's team if they had to resort to such a style merely to get by on penalties?
Doing just enough will not suffice against a free-flowing Colombian side in the semi-finals. Fede Valverde, Darwin Nunez, Manuel Ugarte, Sergio Rochet, and others must up their game to reach the final and maybe win it all.
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