Some are focusing on the fact that Lionel Messi's 76 goals for Argentina is one less than Pele's total for Brazil. This South American record holds for male players from South America. Some are speculating about Messi's Copa America glory, which could propel him to another award for world player of year. However, Messi is unlikely to be bothered by either topic.Messi has never seen individual awards as a result of a group effort. It's all about the team. Now, more than ever, it is Argentina.After the disaster that was Argentina's 2018 World Cup campaign and its shambolic end at the round of 16, he could have been forgiven for giving up on international football. He has instead gone all-in.There was a certain air of isolation around Messi for many years. His self-contained nature was said to intimidate other Argentina players. Beginning with the 2019 Copa, Messi has changed. He is now a vocal, encouraging leader and captain, and has integrated himself into the team as both a footballer and as a human being.Copa America bracket schedule and fixturesVickery: Argentina sends Superb Messi throughMessi works well with Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, and Rodrigo De Paul in midfield and has a good relationship with Lautaro Martinez at the centre. Argentina is a stronger team than ever since the 2016 Copa America Centenario. They are now two games away of a first senior title, since 1993. Messi is now just two games away from his first senior international championship.Both of these games will be difficult. Argentina must beat Colombia on Tuesday. If they do that, Brazil will face them in Rio four days later. The Albiceleste must beat Brazil and Colombia in that scenario.Messi and Co. will be facing Wilmar Barrios, a defensive midfielder who is one of the most important man markers in the game, against Colombia. The 27-year old Javier Mascherano is reminiscent of his younger self. He is agile on the ground, strong in tackle, and crisp in passing. He loves a good battle.Copa America: Lionel Messi scored four goals and assisted with four more assists GettyJust before Copa began, the two countries met in Colombia in a World Cup qualifier. Barrios was placed on the bench, and Colombia conceded two goals within the first eight minutes. They had to chase after the game and were willing to risk losing the counter, but Barrios was there at half-time.He dealt with the danger by organizing the team in front of his centre backs. Colombia was able to concentrate on attacking and won the last game. This is a crucial point on the road towards Qatar 2022. Colombia and Argentina were both unable to defend the final goal, so they are ready for another performance on Tuesday.Reinaldo Rueda seems to have lost hope of having a playmaker. Edwin Cardona is the best Edwin can hope for, if Colombia are trying to win the game. Barrios will be joined by another defensive midfielder, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, who will also return from suspension to play his double role as a right-back, marking the ball and playing outside on the wing.Luis Diaz will attack the left, while Duvan Zapata, a two-man front line, will try to bully a defence that seemed in danger of falling against Ecuador in the quarterfinals. The defense was 3-0 down in Argentina, which was slightly misleading. Although they have scored only three goals in five games, Colombia will be fast, direct, and physically.The other last-four match will be played on Monday. Brazil hosts Brazil and Peru are expected to face less opposition. Peru is without Andre Carrillo (who was sent off in the quarterfinals after his heroic performance against Paraguay).Brazil and Peru have a long history. In Foxborough, Mass. five years ago, Peru's 1-0 win in Copa Centenario group stage five year ago condemned Brazil to humiliating elimination. It also brought down Dunga's second reign as coach, and opened the door for Tite to assume control.Peru won on American soil again in September 2019, a 1-0 victory in Los Angeles. But the spoils in competitive games went to Brazil. Brazil won two World Cup qualifiers at Lima and has three wins in Copa America play. They have 5-0 in the group phase, 3-1 in final two years ago and -- most recently -- a 4-0 defeat in this tournament's first stage.It is difficult to imagine how the Peruvians will stop this run of defeats without Carrillo. Brazil are coming off a disappointing quarterfinal performance, in which Tite clearly chose the wrong team against Chile.His 4-4-2 with Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus wide, and Neymar, Roberto Firmino, central left the team short in midfield -- this formation is better suited for attacking games -- but half-time introduction by the coach of an additional attacking midfielder solved the problem immediately when Lucas Paqueta scored the game's sole goal.Gabriel Jesus was released shortly after. His absence from suspension should make it easier for Paqueta to attend the kickoff on Monday night. Peru's greatest ally would appear to be the deplorable pitch at Rio de Janeiro’s Nilton Santos stadium.Tite tried to get another venue for the semifinal but was unsuccessful. CONMEBOL were frightened by the poor playing surfaces and so the Maracana was re-laid in preparation for Saturday's final. This is in the hopes of creating a pitch worthy to host Neymar and Messi or even Zapata.
