As the curtains draw on these continental extravaganzas, football fans will reflect on the highs and lows of an exhilarating, action-packed month, leaving them eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this beautiful game.

Affectionately known as El Fideo, Di María is a hero, part of a successful Argentine generation that has been prominent over the last decade: from the 2014 World Cup to the 2024 Copa America.

"We've had our players head-butted, we've had racial slurs thrown at our players live and through social media... We've been treated like second-class citizens."

Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal hopes for his side to win the Euro 2024 final against England in Berlin and Lionel Messi's Argentina triumph against Colombia in the Copa America final just hours later in Florida on Monday so that the duo can have a go at each other in the "Finalissima".

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa on Friday defended his players involved in a clash with Colombian fans after Wednesday's Copa America semifinal, saying "anyone would have reacted like that" to protect their families.

Playing against aging stars like Messi and Angel Di Maria, Valencia thinks Colombia have an advantage.

Can Los Cafetoeros etch their name in football folklore once again?

Players and staff from both Colombia and Uruguay were also involved in a confrontation on the field after the final whistle.

Even though unusual, Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo gambled to stay on the attack against Uruguay despite going down to 10 men, and it paid off as they emerged with a 1-0 win that set up a Copa America final against Argentina.

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi is set to play in his 10th final in national colours when defending champions Argentina will face off against Colombia in the grand finale of the Copa America 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Monday at 6 am Bangladesh time. In the nine finals he has played in so far, Messi has won five and lost four. He has found the net four times and provided four assists for his sides. Let’s take a look at the nine previous finals he played in.

He broke Lionel Messi’s record of most assists in a single Copa America campaign, with the Argentina captain having bagged five during Albiceleste’s title-winning campaign in 2021.

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said his side had more talent in their ranks than Colombia and therefore he should be the one taking responsibility for Wednesday's Copa America semifinal defeat.

Uruguay's Darwin Nunez missed several chances in the first half and Colombia made them pay when Lerma rose above the defence on a corner in the 39th minute and squeezed his header past goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

Lionel Messi said he was enjoying his "last battles" with Argentina after the 37-year-old found the net in a 2-0 win over Canada on Tuesday to book a place in the Copa America final.

Drake posted an image on Instagram that showed his bet would have given him a $2.88 million payout if Canada won, but goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi moved Argentina into a fourth final in five editions.

Messi's 109th goal for Argentina also saw him surpass Iran's Ali Daei to take sole possession of second place on the all-time international scoring charts. Messi trails only Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 130 goals for Portugal.

Colombia enter the semi-final having avoided defeat in 27 consecutive games, matching their all-time unbeaten streak.

Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi scored the goals as Argentina advanced to Sunday's final in Miami where they will face either Colombia or Uruguay.

The 23-year-old Real Madrid winger was suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards and watched from the stands as Brazil lost to record 15-times winners Uruguay 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw on Saturday.

"My mind is wrapped totally around giving our team a chance to not just have a special experience, but a real special victory," Marsch told a press conference.