The Copa America is here and, with 16 teams taking part in this year's tournament, there are several big-hitters from North, Central and South America aiming for ultimate continental glory.
Of course, the defending Copa America winners, World Cup champions, world's No. 1-ranked team, and current leaders in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying table, Argentina, are the favorites to retain their crown, with Brazil right behind.
Lionel Messi won his first senior international trophy when Argentina lifted the 2021 Copa America, defeating arch-rivals Brazil at the Maracana.
As La Albiceleste go in search for their 16th title to overtake rivals Uruguay and become the most successful team in the competition's history, The Sporting News takes a ride back in time to the happenings of the last Copa America final.
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Copa America 2021: Who won the trophy?
Lionel Messi's Argentina got their hands on the prestigious Copa America trophy for a record-equaling 15th time. Held in Brazil, and with crowds absent due to COVID-19, Argentina battled their way to the final and beat the hosts 1-0 in the showpiece match at the Maracana on July 10, 2021.
That triumph marked La Albiceleste's first South American Championship title in nearly three decades, and was legendary attacker Messi's first piece of major international silverware.
Fast forward three years to 2024 and not only does Argentina head into the latest Copa America as the defending champions, they are also the World Cup holders, having won world football's greatest prize in Qatar in 2022.
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What happened in last Copa America final?
Argentina won their first major title in 28 years as Angel Di María's 22nd-minute strike gave them a 1-0 victory over Brazil. The final, held at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, was a dramatic showdown between two of South America's footballing giants, although it was played in a near-empty stadium due to health protocols as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Argentina's victory was a particular triumph for then-Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, who picked up his first international trophy in a blue-and-white shirt after more than a decade of club and individual honors.
Di Maria, who started for just the second time in the Copa, scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half, lobbing the stranded Brazil goalkeeper Ederson with aplomb after a long ball from Rodrigo De Paul.
Brazil piled on the pressure in fits and starts, but they just could not get an equalizer against the robust Argentina backline. The match was a hard-fought, scrappy one, with Argentina the better side in a cagey affair that featured 41 fouls and nine yellow cards.
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Where was Copa America 2021 played?
Copa America 2021 was held in Brazil, who stepped in as the host country on short notice, after Argentina and Colombia, the original co-hosts, were unable to stage the tournament due to COVID-19 concerns and political protests, respectively.
The tournament was played across four locations in Brazil and featured 28 matches, with closer venues and reduced travel time meaning additional rest days between the group stage and quarterfinals.
The host cities were Rio de Janeiro (Maracana and Nilton Santos Stadiums), Brasilia (Mane Garrincha Stadium), Goiania (Olimpico) and Cuiaba (Pantanal Arena).
The opening game was held at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia as hosts Brazil faced Venezuela, while the final was played at the legendary Maracana Stadium on July 10, 2021.
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Why was Copa America 2021 delayed?
Originally scheduled for 2020, the tournament had to be postponed to 2021, with the 47th edition of Copa America delayed primarily due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which caused unprecedented disruptions to sporting events worldwide.
The decision was part of a broader move by football governing bodies to reschedule major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship, which was similarly deferred to 2021 to ensure the safety of players, staff and fans.
Additionally, the tournament faced logistical issues due to the evolving spread of the virus. Argentina and Colombia were initially set to co-host the event, but both countries faced significant obstacles.
Argentina saw a drastic rise in COVID-19 cases, making it impossible to host the matches safely. Meanwhile, Colombia were dealing with widespread civil unrest and protests, further complicating the situation.