Messi, Argentina heavy favorites to win Copa title against Colombia
Pressure on superstar to bring home trophy after four heartbreaks
Much-anticipated final rematch of 2014 World Cup quarterfinal
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Lionel Messi and Argentina will be heavy favorites when they face Colombia in the final of the Copa America on Saturday. Messi, 36, is still searching for his first major title with Argentina after leading the team to four heartbreaking losses in major finals, including the 2014 World Cup final against Germany. Argentina beat Colombia 2-0 in the semifinals Tuesday, with Lautaro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso scoring the goals. Messi missed a penalty in the second half, but Argentina held on to reach its first final since 2016. Colombia, meanwhile, upset Chile 2-1 on Wednesday to reach its first Copa America final since 2004. Mateus Uribe and Guillermo Cuadrado scored for Colombia, while Jose Pedro Fuenzalida converted a penalty for Chile. Saturday's final will be a rematch of the 2014 World Cup quarterfinal, which Argentina won 5-4 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Messi scored the winning penalty in that match. Argentina will be looking to avenge its loss to Colombia in the semifinals of the 2016 Copa America, which Colombia won 2-0. Messi is Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 76 goals in 156 appearances. He is also the team's captain and has been its talisman for more than a decade. Colombia will be looking to win its first Copa America title since 2001. The team has finished runner-up four times, including in 2004 and 2016. James Rodriguez, Colombia's captain, is the team's leading scorer in the tournament with three goals. He is also one of the best players in the world and will be looking to lead Colombia to victory. The final will be played at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time (11 p.m. ET).
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