As if there wasn't enough football going on this summer with Euro 2016 and the recently-announced International Champions Cup, the crème de la crème of South America will return for another instalment of the Copa America. Here, Sportsmail guides you through this year's forgotten tournament. ...read
The U.S. will open the 2016 Copa America Centenario as hosts against Colombia following Sunday's draw for the 100th anniversary of the longest running international tournament.
It's been almost eight years since anyone other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo were considered to be the world's best player, but Neymar reckons he can break the cycle.
Bayer Leverkusen have beaten off competition from Leicester City to sign Chilean midfielder Charles Aranguiz from Brazilian club Internacional. He was one of Chile's stars at the recent Copa America.
Uruguay defender Jorge Fucile has launched a scathing attack Alexis Sanchez over his conduct at the Copa America. Fucile was sent off for a foul on the Arsenal man in the quarter-finals.
Argentina legend Diego Maradona has laid into Lionel Messi following his country's defeat in the Copa America final and suggested the Barcelona star should be treated 'just like any other player'.
Alexis Sanchez has earned a holiday more than most players, and the Arsenal star certainly seemed to be enjoying himself as he soaked up some sun before the new season.
Argentina star Lionel Messi has been accused of being lazy at the Copa America - by his own grandfather. Messi was frustrated in the final as Chile beat Argentina in Santiago.
As the dust settled on another tip-top Copa, we take a look at five players who have boosted their profile - and their transfer value - during the competition
Javier Mascherano has hit out at rumours suggesting he was involved in a dressing room bust-up with Ever Banega following Argentina's Copa America final defeat.
Manchester United transfer target Nicolas Otamendi has been included in the team of the tournament for the Copa America. The 27-year-old Valencia centre-back helped Argentina to reach the final.
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED: Chile were crowned Copa America champions after defeating Argentina 4-1 in a penalty shootout. Rik Sharma takes us through some of the key talking points.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal might have been concerned to see Angel di Maria limp off injured inside the first half an hour of the Copa America final on Saturday night.
Minutes before half-time at Santiago's Estadio Nacional, Messi's oldest brother Rodrigo was hit by an object hurled by a fan and the whole family ended up watching from a television cabin.
Alexis Sanchez converted the winning penalty to seal Chile's maiden Copa America triumph - and sparked scenes of jubilation across the country that look set to last several days
Copa America officials were forced into removing their 'best player of the tournament' award due to Lionel Messi's refusal to claim the prize, according to reports in Argentina.
Chile Jorge Sampaoli says all he can think about is the unforgettable feeling of euphoria from winning the Copa America for the first time, and doing so on home soil, after they beat Argentina on penalties.
MARTIN DOMIN IN CHILE: A man was shot in Santiago on Saturday night after he confronted a group of students as they celebrated Chile's historic Copa America success.
Messi will go into his second major international final in as many years hoping to finally lead Argentina to glory. Join JONNY SINGER for all the action, with MARTIN DOMIN in Chile.
MARTIN DOMIN IN SANTIAGO: Seven years on from their triumph at the Olympics, Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero will be hoping to finally strike gold again in Saturday night's Copa America final
Barcelona forward Neymar sported a fancy dress outfit as he enjoyed some down time with friends before pre-season with Barcelona, following his red card and ban at the Copa America with Brazil.
Goals from Andre Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero handed Peru a 2-0 victory over Paraguay on Friday night and ensure they finished in third place for the second consecutive Copa America
Arsene Wenger once described Lionel Messi as a PlayStation player but no one has ever used the game to stop the four-times Ballon d’Or winner.
Goalkeeper Sergio Romero wants to see Argentina go one better than they did at last year's World Cup by lifting the Copa America this weekend.
Al Pacino provided the perfect speech for the Miami Sharks in Any Given Sunday, and now Argentina could benefit from his words in real life after he sent them a motivational message.
With the Copa America coming to an end, Sportsmail looks at the top 10 goals scored in the competition. Some of South America's biggest stars scored some absolute screamers.
Sergio Aguero puts his excellent Copa America form down to staying injury-free after the turn of the year with Manchester City.
Chile defender Jose Rojas has brushed off criticism of his semi-final display against Peru and called on fans to get behind the team as they attempt to beat Argentina and win their first Copa America.
Chile need Alexis Sanchez to recover his best form as they try to end an almost century-long wait for a first Copa America, according to coach Jorge Sampaoli.
Lionel Messi 'not too worried' by his lack of goals for Argentina at the Copa America having only scored once in the competition - from the penalty spot in Argentina's first match vs Paraguay
Watch Lionel Messi's brilliant solo dribble tie Paraguayan defenders Pablo Aguilar and Bruno Valdez in knots as Argentina won 6-1 to book their place in the Copa America final.
MARTIN DOMIN IN CONCEPCION: Perhaps all Louis van Gaal has to do to get the best out of Angel di Maria is sign Lionel Messi. The pair have formed an almost telepathic relationship.
Paraguay stand between Lionel Messi's Argentina and a place in the Copa America 2015 final, where tournament hosts Chile await the winners of this semi-final in Concepcion.
Paraguay boss Ramon Diaz claims Argentina and Lionel Messi are the best in the world but believes his side can cause a shock by reaching the Copa America final.
As Lionel Messi aims to end Argentina's 22-year drought for silverware, opponents Paraguay could be the team to rock the boat and cause yet another scalp at the Copa America.
MARTIN DOMIN IN SANTIAGO: Hosts Chile have booked their place in the final of the Copa America after a double from Eduardo Vargas saw them over the line against plucky Peru.
RIK SHARMA IN CHILE: During the week Alexis Sanchez took some time out away from training to practice some karaoke, picking One Direction song 'More Than This'.
Riot police in Chile used water cannons to disperse fans celebrating in Santiago following the country's 2-1 Copa America victory over Peru on Monday night.
Argentina go into Wednesday's Copa America semi-final with added pressure after Paraguay boss Ramon Diaz branded them 'the best national team in the world'.
Hosts Chile have booked their place in the final of the Copa America after a double from Eduardo Vargas saw them over the line against plucky Peru in Santiago.
Paraguay may have knocked Brazil out of the Copa America, but Ramon Diaz claims his side now face the 'the best national team in the world' in Argentina in the semi-finals.
Chile defender Gonzalo Jara taunted Edinson Cavani about his father being jailed for 20 years over a road death incident to spark his Copa America meltdown, Uruguay's assistant has claimed.
One way or another, Chile's Copa America semi-final with Peru will be settled in Santiago on Tuesday morning, but the two nations will continue to bicker long after the full-time whistle.
Dunga and his players may have been dumped out of the Copa America on Saturday night – but they still put on a brave face to pose for pictures with fans as they travelled back to Brazil.
Radamel Falcao was deemed not worthy of Manchester United, sent back to Monaco with four Barclays Premier League goals and his £43million invoice untouched.
Chile defender Gonzalo Jara will miss the rest of the Copa America after being suspended for three matches for sticking his finger up an opponent's backside and feigning injury during a match.
Chile may be on home soil going into their Copa America semi-final against lowly Peru, but Matias Fernandez insists they are not the favourites.
Brazil coach Dunga says his side must work hard going forward after their 4-3 Copa America quarter-final penalty shootout defeat by Paraguay, and admits there is a lot to learn from what happened.
Messi will look to set up a possible semi-final clash with Argentina's old rivals Brazil, as his side meet Colombia in Vina del Mar. Join JONNY SINGER for all the action with updates from MARTIN DOMIN.
Paraguay beat Brazil 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw on Saturday to advance to the semi-finals of the Copa America. Midfielder Everton Ribeiro and striker Douglas Costa each missed penalties.
MARTIN DOMIN: No Neymar, no flair, and no Copa America semi-final against Argentina - it was Brazil, but not as we know them. Dunga's side were eventually beaten on penalties.
Carlos Tevez and his Argentina team-mates reported back for training on Saturday less than 24 hours after their penalty shootout victory against Colombia.
Paraguay coach Ramon Diaz has said that his friendship with Brazil coach Dunga will be on hold as they go head-to-head in the Copa America on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals.
Argentina star Lionel Messi managed to lead his side to the semi-finals of the Copa America despite having to deal with a green laser being shone in his face.
Colombia took Argentina all the way to penalties in their Copa America quarter-final only for the favourites to sneak through. Here's five things we learned.
Brazil striker and new Liverpool signing Roberto Firmino has taken some time to meet youngsters at the Club Universidad de Chile academy in Santiago. His Liverpool move is subject to a medical.
Chile defender Gonzalo Jara has apparently been banned from the rest of the Copa America after bizarrely poking Uruguay's Edinson Cavani in the backside.
A Paolo Guerrero hat-trick led Peru to a 3-1 win against Bolivia on Thursday, securing a place in the semi-finals of the Copa America.
RIK SHARMA: They call him the Predator and here Paolo Guerrero remorselessly chewed up Bolivia like a lion roaming free in a field of hapless antelopes.
Argentina players were put through their paces in training as they put the finishing touches to their preparations for the Copa America quarter-final against Colombia on Friday.
MARTIN DOMIN IN SANTIAGO: This was the night when beauty tamed the beast. For 80 torturous minutes, Chile and Uruguay were level before Mauricio Isla found the winner.
Santiago was plunged into chaos on Wednesday night as over-exuberant supporters flocked to the streets to celebrate Chile's dramatic victory against Uruguay.
Hosts Chile reached the semi-finals of the Copa America thanks to a late Mauricio Isla goal, as Uruguay were reduced to nine men. Catch up with all the action as it happened.
The connection between James Rodriguez and his adoring public has never been more prevalent than over the last week as a video emerged of the Colombian reducing a young supporter to tears.
Angel di Maria has admitted Argentina lack a plan B and need a player the calibre of national team icons Hernan Crespo or Gabriel Batistuta in attack.
Brazil attacking midfielder Willian has already set his sights on a mouth-watering Copa America semi-final against Argentina and Lionel Messi despite having Paraguay to play first.
Liverpool's latest signing Roberto Firmino gave his new club a glimpse of what's in store for them during Brazil training on Wednesday ahead of their Copa America quarter-final against Paraguay.
So far at the Copa America, Chile have invited competing teams into their country with all the civility of a dinner host who gives guests food poisoning.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi joined his team-mates for a training session as Argentina prepared for their Copa America quarter-final clash with Colombia after topping Group B.
Brazil stars Philippe Coutinho, David Luiz and Robinho took part in a training session on Tuesday as they prepared for their Copa America quarter final match with Paraguay on Saturday.
Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani could miss the Copa America quarter-final with Chile after his father was involved in a fatal car crash in Uruguay, national team coach Oscar Tabarez said on Tuesday.
In the first stage of this year's Copa America fans have been treated to thrilling comebacks, quality goals and, of course, the best skills South America has to offer.
But before the Copa America enters the final eight, there is time to take a look back at the best goals of the group stage, featuring some stunning finishing and sublime team goals.
Colombia star James Rodriguez has hailed Lionel Messi as 'out of this world' and insisted he doesn't compare to the Argentina forward.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero lead the official Copa America team of the group stage, alongside controversial Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal.
Chile and Uruguay will play their Copa America quarter-final as local authorities battle air pollution that forced them to officially declare their first environmental emergency in six years.
There was ‘no reason’ for Neymar to stay with the Brazil camp at the Copa America as training without the prospect of impacting on the tournament would ‘kill’ him inside.
A repentant Arturo Vidal has agreed to donate his Copa America tournament fee to charity to go some way in rectifying his recent behaviour off the pitch, according to La Tercera.
Brazil have decided not to appeal against the four-game ban that will keep Neymar out of the Copa America but the Brazilian Football Confederation hit out at CONMEBOL for their harsh treatment of him.
MARTIN DOMIN IN SANTIAGO: Perhaps life without Neymar won't be so bad after all. Brazil's captain watched from the stands as his side secured their place in the Copa America quarter-finals.
Ronaldo gives Real Madrid fans a scare with injury in training... but Portuguese superstar returns with a smile
Cristiano Ronaldo left Real fans wincing
Rio: Suarez should have been sent off for kicking out at Juanfran
Luis Suarez should have been sent off for kicking at Juanfran after he 'lost it', says Rio Ferdinand
Harry lends a hand at local hospice
Harry Kane ironed clothes at London's Noah's Ark Hospice just days after straightening out Liverpool's defence
Blue heaven
James Tavernier scored the only goal of the game as Rangers secured their top-flight return after a four-year absence with a win over Dumbarton
Darmian replies to fan mail after earning fans' seal of approval
He's received many a plaudit and Matteo Darmian has delivered something in return
Barcelona 2-1 Atletico Madrid
PETE JENSON: Luis Suarez turned the tie on its head but could easily have followed Fernando Torres down the tunnel
Bayern Munich 1-0 Benfica
RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: This was a slog, in as much as a game can be when the winner is hit inside two minutes
Conte springs surprise visit on Chelsea stars
SIMON JONES EXCLUSIVE: Antonio Conte will hold a series of meetings with those who want to leave
Harmison hit with 12-match ban by FA following ref spat
Steve Harmison has been hit with a 12-game ban after an angry bust-up with a referee
Marler suspended for two matches and fined £20,000
England prop Joe Marler has been banned for two games after his 'gipsy boy' slur
Kruis cleared as alleged bite on Bath's Wilson is dismissed
The citing was described by Saracens forwards coach Alex Sanderson as an 'absolute travesty'
Masters could be out of bounds for BBC
CHARLES SALE: The BBC will show the last two days, leading to speculation that they will pull the plug on Augusta
Manchester City ready to 'risk' fit-again Hart
Manuel Pellegrini has admitted it will be a risk to throw Joe Hart in to play against Paris St Germain in France
Middlesbrough 3-0 Huddersfield
Gaston Ramirez showed his international quality to mark the 10th anniversary of one of Boro's greatest nights
Derby 4-0 Hull
JANINE SELF: Bradley Johnson's reputation as a free-scoring midfielder has taken quite a bashing this season. But not here
Rangers 1-0 Dumbarton
JOHN GREECHAN: James Tavernier put Rangers on the road to a win celebrated as wildly as any Ibrox has seen
Benn-Eubank III moves step closer
Nigel Benn challenged Chris Eubank to stop prevaricating and commit to their old boys' reunion in the ring
Maldini leads AC Milan legends as stars turn out in force at his father's funeral
World of football has paid tribute to former Italy and AC Milan legend
From angelic schoolboy to global star.... but who is the sportsman in his school uniform?
One of the most recognisable athletes
'He showed that he has got all of me in him and then some': Benn Jr put through gruelling sparring session by his dad ahead of professional debut
Ronaldo, Pepe and Co in good spirits after Clasico win as Real Madrid jet off for Champions League clash in Wolfsburg
Flying high
Zidane in sticky situation after Real Madrid manager hides chewing gum under Barca press room table
Zinedine Zidane stole the post-match spotlight
Maldini leads AC Milan legends as stars turn out in force at his father's funeral
Football has paid tribute to Italy and AC Milan legend Cesare Maldini
'Much needed break': West Indies legend Gayle enjoys beer by the pool after leading them to World T20 glory over England
Led the celebrations
Doncaster defend kit design campaign after One Direction star and club supporter Louis Tomlinson wins competition
'Fair and above board'
Wilshere makes first public appearance since alleged involvement in London brawl
England midfielder was at the Emirates to watch Arsenal's Under 18 side
Joshua given rapturous reception during public workout at York Hall crowd
Joshua and Martin visited the old, spiritual home of British boxing
Hamilton smokes a shisha pipe and parties with popstar Jess Glynne after losing out to rival Rosberg
Finished in third place finish at the Bahrain GP
Forget it! Icardi's handshake snubbed by love rival Lopez as feud rumbles on after the Inter Milan star ran off with his girlfriend
Simmering row
West Indies captains Taylor and Sammy continue World T20 double celebrations after a night of jubilation
The West Indies enjoyed a momentous day
Is this really the Rome derby? Lazio and Roma fans boycott clash at the Stadio Olimpico in protest over security measures
Split ultras in the stands
West Indies claim World T20 title with FOUR sixes in final over
England were denied the title of champions by four late hammer blows into the Kolkata night sky
Bolt congratulates West Indies as they celebrate T20 triumph
Jamaican sprinter was among the celebrities to offer support after the Windies beat England
Djokovic close to becoming tennis' first $100m man as he adds to his prize money with Miami Open final win
World No 1 overtakes Federer in prize money
Manchester United and England icon Sir Bobby Charlton moved to tears as Old Trafford stand is unveiled in his name
It marked 60 years since his United debut
Higuain restrained by team-mates and confronts the referee as Napoli lose to Udinese
Higuain sent off as his Napoli side fall to an emphatic defeat in Italy
'Feeling royal!' Hamilton dons traditional white robes at Bahrain Grand Prix
The Brit is embracing the culture ahead of the second race this season
West Indies beat Australia by eight-wickets to win Women's World T20 final
West Indies rode on the back of an opening partnership of 120
John Stones should continue to take risks... I made similar mistakes at West Ham, urges Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand backs Stones
Cavani puts Manchester United and Chelsea on alert by revealing plans for crunch talks with PSG
Edinson Cavani keeps fuelling France exit talk
Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid: Benzema and Ronaldo secure El Clasico victory
Cristiano Ronaldo's goal earned victory after Sergio Ramos saw red
Robben: Guardiola will make Manchester City a better team... 'with him, it's football 24-7'
EXCLUSIVE: Robben's best football has been played under Guardiola
Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 Nice: Ibrahimovic nets brilliant hat-trick
Zlatan Ibrahimovic reminds Manchester City of his prowess before the Champions League
Former Chelsea boss Mourinho in the stands as Fulham beat MK Dons at Craven Cottage
Jose Mourinho was entertained by a relegation six-pointer
Smith closes in on world title shot with first-round demolition job
Callum Smith needed less than two minutes to defeat Hadillah Mohoumadi
Most bizarre sending off ever? Berisha sees red for kicking a rival player while lying on his BACK getting treatment
Melbourne Victory faced Wellington Phoenix
End of an era!... Golden State Warriors' 54-game regular season home winning streak is halted
NBA champions lost to Boston Celtics 109-106 at their Oracle Arena
Broner calls Mayweather out of retirement after stopping Theophane
He has his sights set on Mayweather after his ninth-round TKO
Tiger Woods rules himself out Masters as 14-time major champion declares he is 'not physically ready'
The 40-year-old will be absent from Augusta
JAMIE CARRAGHER: Villa's players are a disgrace... you would not sign any of them
There is little chance of them coming back up with that squad
Leiva and Mignolet get pranked by team-mate Flanagan and 'world's worst chauffeur'
A guffawing Jon Flanagan made the most of April Fools' Day
Preparing for his swan song? Ronaldo enjoys some downtime with his son before El Clasico
Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram to upload snaps of him relaxing
Now you see him, now you don't!
Junior Hoilett slid into a pitchside camera pit at Loftus Road during QPR's defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough
Rojo pays visit to the Post Office but can he deliver for United after smoking storm?
Marcos Rojo is expected to feature against Everton on Sunday
Jenkinson enjoys a holiday on the wild side with Dubai tiger
Carl Jenkinson looks to be having a roaring good time as he continues his comeback from injury
Manchester United stars get back down to business as Rooney, Rojo and Co gear up for Everton test
Bidding for Champions League spot
Recoba joined by Valderrama and Zanetti as retired Uruguayan celebrates testimonial
Former Inter star Alvaro Recoba called time on his playing career
'Gracies Johan': Barcelona to honour club legend Cruyff with embroidered thank you message on their El Clasico shirts
Nou Camp hero
Was this the best April Fools' gag of all time? Liverpool legend Rush donned an Everton shirt for Shoot magazine
Die-hard Reds fans were left devastated
West Indies celebrate in style as Gayle and Bravo dance in the dressing room after beating India
The 'World Boss' was still partying at 4am
Liverpool stars back from international break
Liverpool's first-team stars have spent time away but are back at Melwood ahead of the Tottenham game
Aguero and Silva back in training as City bid to end away-day blues
City are preparing hard as they look to win their second game away from home since February 2
Second-row superstars Itoje and Kruis on butlers, beefing up... and the Bard
Maro Itoje and George Kruis are back to business with Saracens
FIFA president Infantino joins Cafu, Aimar, Hierro and Asprilla in friendly game in Bolivia
And the new FIFA president scored the winning penalty!
Schneiderlin proposes to girlfriend Camille... after Manchester United star met £10-an-hour adidas worker last year
Took advantage of the international break
Arsenal legend Henry shows he still knows how to hit the target as he leaves James Corden in agony
Challenged by comedian on The Late Late Show
McGregor rematch with Diaz confirmed for UFC 200 in Las Vegas
Conor McGregor's rematch with Nate Diaz has been confirmed as the top billing on July 9
Nasri back in £330k Lamborghini Aventador after car was impounded by police on derby day
Signed autographs as he left City ground
PICTURE SPECIAL: 15 years on from his tragic death, we remember 'Rocky' Rocastle
One of the most recognisable faces in Arsenal's history
Barca legend Stoichkov sparks fury after pictures emerge of striker posing with dead safari animals
Posed with bodies of giraffes and zebras
Gauld reveals Sporting career has stalled
Ryan Gauld is stuck in the B-Team, having made just five first-team appearances for Sporting Lisbon proper
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