Lionel Messi (left) and Sergio Aguerro (right) cut relaxed figures as Argentina prepared for their Copa America quarter-final clash with Venezuela.

Brazil coach Tite joined the chorus of players and officials complaining about Copa America pitches, saying it was 'absurd' to play on surfaces like the one on which the hosts beat Paraguay on.

Firmino scored three no-look goals for Liverpool last season, turning his head away from the ball before shooting. And this cocky manoeuvre was used as a stick to beat him with on social media.

Argentina booked their place in the Copa America semi-finals on Friday night with a 2-0 win over Venezuela in Rio de Janeiro thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso.

The Barcelona star has scored just one goal in four appearances for Argentina at the tournament, a penalty against Paraguay, although they are into the semi-finals.

Everton striker Richarlison was left out of Brazil's Copa America quarter-final with Paraguay on Thursday amid concerns the attacker has contracted mumps.

Stars from Argentina and Brazil have been training in preparation for their crucial Copa America semi-final showdown on Tuesday evening.

TOM SANDERSON IN SAO PAULO: And so they meet again. On this occasion, for a place in the Copa America final. Yet far more than the chance to face either Chile or Peru will be at stake.

Chile vs Peru on Wednesday doesn't carry the same sporting rivalry as Brazil vs. Argentina, but it brings together two nations with off-the-field quarrels dating to the 19th Century.

Brazil and arch-rivals Argentina will go head to head for a place in the Copa America final. For live updates from the semi-final, follow the action with Sportsmail's SAM MCEVOY...

TOM SANDERSON AT MINEIRAO STADIUM: Here it was, the one they had all been waiting for. A semi-final showdown between the two biggest rivals in international football. 

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni claimed his side deserved to reach the Copa America final in the wake of their 2-0 defeat by Brazil. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino sealed victory.

The 32-year-old's wait for major silverware with his country goes on after Argentina were beaten 2-0 by Brazil in the Copa America semi-finals. Messi will be 35 by the 2022 World Cup.

Lionel Messi blasted 'bulls***' refereeing and accused officials of favouring Brazil after Argentina were dumped out of the Copa America at the semi-final stage on Tuesday night.

When five-time Ballon d'Or winner and Barcelona star Lionel Messi eventually hangs up his boots, he might just have one huge regret lingering in the back of his mind.

TOM SANDERSON IN BRAZIL: Naturally, the Argentine press dug its heels in over the hours that followed yet another big stage disappointment. Messi, they feel, can lead new generation to glory.

Argentina and Lionel Messi remain optimistic about their future despite another year without a trophy. There is some hope despite the team's 2-0 loss to Brazil.

Edison Flores, Yoshimar Yotun and Paolo Guerrero all found the back of the net to put an end to Chile's dream of a third consecutive title and set up a final against hosts Brazil in Rio on Sunday.

The Chelsea star felt pain in his right thigh during the second half of Tuesday's 2-0 semi-final victory against Argentina but stayed on the pitch as his side had used all three substitutes.

Brazil took on Peru in the Copa America final at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night. Brazil won their first Copa America trophy since 2007.

Gabriel Jesus raged after being sent off in the Copa America final win over Peru and burst into tears on the steps of the Maracana. 

Everton forward Richarlison sent 200 million of his fellow countrymen into hysterics through a post-match interview recorded after his Copa America-sealing goal on Sunday evening.

TOM SANDERSON AT THE MARACANA: In front of 70,000 revellers at the Maracana, Brazil prolonged their record of having won the Copa America each time they have hosted.

The 25-year-old Juventus star netted Argentina's second goal against Chile in the 22nd minute as they won 2-1, with Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero scoring the opener.

Brazil star Dani Alves, currently a free agent, jumped the gun by dropping to his knees as the referee blew his whistle near the end of the Copa America final against Peru.

Wolanski wore a skimpy swimsuit advertising a Russian porn pranking website during Liverpool's Champions League final win over Tottenham in Madrid last month and was escorted off the pitch.

Dani Alves moved his trophy tally into the forties on Sunday night when he lifted the Copa America in front of a rocking Maracana crowd.

Messi was left incandescent with the performance of referee Roddy Zambrano and the use of VAR and did not hold back in his post-match assessment after their defeat by Brazil.

Lionel Messi has been recuperating on a family holiday after the disappointment of Argentina's Copa America semi-final defeat by Brazil.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been banned for one game and fined £1,200 after being sent off against Chile in the Copa America third-place playoff earlier this month.

Lionel Messi will not feature for Argentina again this year after receiving a three-month suspension and a £41,000 fine following his controversial comments about Copa America.

Napoli have started negotiations with Gremio for Brazil's Copa America hero Everton. Carlo Ancleotti's side have been looking to reinforce their attack all summer but have been unsuccessful.

The Brazilian sealed his country's Copa America triumph on home soil with the third goal in their 3-1 victory over Peru in the final at the Maracana Stadium in July.

JACK GAUGHAN AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City cannot say they weren't warned. Those fears were realised against Brighton, 37 minutes into another procession.

The Brazilian midfielder booked his wedding for July after expecting to be included in Brazil's Copa America squad. However, he was dropped by Brazil after a disappointing debut Premier League season.

Lionel Messi has a chance to win the Copa America on his own turf next summer - but Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni says the competition will be about more than just the Barcelona star.

This summer's Copa America has been postponed 12 months to 2021 amid fears over the spread of the coronavirus. The tournament in Argentina and Colombia has been pushed back.

Lady Julie Montagu, 47, who was born in Illinois and is married to Lord Luke Montagu, told Town and Country Prince Harry, 35, has found someone he can be 'emotionally open with' in Meghan Markle.

As Marco Rubio's stock rises among Republican primary voters, the Florida senator is trying to show that his finances are clean as a whistle. Yesterday Rubio released two years of American Express bills.

Marco Rubio, who ran for the White House himself, has claimed he does not understand why voters are shocked over the drama in Trump's administration over the Comey memo and alleged Russia links.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who voted to confirm Kavanaugh on Saturday, rebuked liberals for 'stirring rage' and 'gloating' of an anticipated voter backlash.

Sportsmail's IAN LADYMAN is at Royal Portrush and has provided five pieces of insight after round three of the Championship.

President Trump signed a stimulus package that included a $600 boost to weekly unemployment benefits, until July 31. This increase added to state benefits gives an average weekly payment of $978.

A majority of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus, a new poll showed, with 55 per cent giving him a thumbs down.

Moderna Inc has been greenlit by the FDA to conduct a trial of its vaccine. The company has received $483million in funding from the government to carry it out.

President Donald Trump's new campaign ad features stirring music and shows his coronavirus response - as well as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tearing up his State of the Union speech.

Gaps have continued appearing on meat shelves across America as supplies run low after dozens of processing plants closed or reduced capacity after workers started getting sick.

George Conway's political action committee released an advertisement Monday demonizing Trump's response to coronavirus and questioning the vitality of America as a nation if the president is reelected.

Known for being thriving social hubs and a key part of the American economy, dozens of malls remained abandoned this week, despite opening back up for businesses.

American and British gardens have been bonded together by mutual plants, skills and experience ever since the first settlers founded Virginia in 1607, says the British gardening expert.