Lionel Messi’s Argentina set up blockbuster Copa America final with Neymar’s Brazil after penalty shoot-out win over Colombia

Argentine goalkeeper Martinez saves three penalties in shoot-out after tense 1-1 draw in regular time

Brazil are ‘favourites’ but ‘we have the best player in the world [in Messi]’, said Martinez in tears

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Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and captain Lionel Messi celebrate after winning their Copa America semi-final against Colombia in a penalty shoot-out at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:24pm, 7 Jul 2021Updated: 12:24pm, 7 Jul 2021

It will be Lionel Messi’s Argentina against Neymar’s Brazil in the Copa America final on Saturday.

Argentina won their semi-final against Colombia 3-2 on penalties after three saves by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Regular time ended 1-1 at the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on Tuesday.

Argentina have not captured a major title since 1993 when they won Copa America. On that occasion, the team eliminated Colombia 6-5 on penalties in the semi-final after a goalless draw.

Brazil beat Peru 1-0 on Monday to advance to the final.

Colombia’s Edwin Cardona sees his penalty saved by Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez during the penalty shoot-out. Photo: Reuters

It took Argentina only seven minutes to open the scoring. Rodrigo de Paul found Messi in the penalty box with a through pass. The star earned his fifth assist in the tournament with a pass to Lautaro Martinez, who put the ball in the right corner past Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina.

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