Copa America - Soccer Wiretap

Spain's 2-1 victory over England averaged 6.430 million viewers on Fox, which marked a seven percent increase from the 2021 Italy-England Final on ESPN and ESPN2 (6.004 million). TelevisaUnivision’s simultaneous coverage of the Euro final averaged 3.003 million viewers, up 13 percent versus the analogous match in 2021. 

The Copa America Final between Argentina and Colombia averaged another 6.109 million viewers on Fox. On the Spanish-language front, Univision and TUDN together averaged 5.206 million viewers. Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 despite Lionel Messi going out early in the second half.

In a physical, grueling Copa America final, Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 with Lautaro Martinez scoring in the 112th minute. Martinez won the Golden Boot with five goals in the tournament with his last one buzzing right over the head of Columbian keeper Camilo Vargas.

The match was delayed for over 75 minutes following a security breach with fans breaking through one of the gates. Argentina had to play nearly half the match without Lionel Messi as he exited in tears in the 64th minute with an apparent right ankle injury.

Argentina had a 1.08 xG compared to 0.83 for Colombia. Colombia was consistently aggressive in attack, particularly with Luis Diaz and their decisive passing, but they didn't create many high leverage chances.

Angel di Maria played a characteristic match we have come to expect from him over the past two decades in what was his final match for Argentina as he retires from international duty. It remains to be seen the extent of Messi's injury and his place in Argentina's roster for the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 to advance to the Copa America Final that will be played Sunday in Miami.

Julian Alvarez scored the opener for Argentina in the 22nd minute, while Lionel Messi extended their lead shortly after the start of the second half.

Argentina had an xG of 2.12 compared to 0.80 for Canada.

Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in the Copa America final, with Lionel Messi winning his first international senior trophy with Argentina.

Messi had previously lost three Copa finals and a World Cup final.

"I can't explain how happy I feel. I've been sad many times [with Argentina after tournaments] but I knew it would happen and there's no better moment. This team deserved it," said Messi after the match. 

Messi was named the Player of the Tournament after scoring four goals and registering five assists.

Messi also paid tribute to manager Lionel Scaloni.

"It's to the merit of [Scaloni] because of everything he's done and what he's built. The process with him started three years ago and it's been constant growth. He knew how to build a spectacular group, a winning group. He deserves the recognition. It's been a long time since Argentina were champions of South America, and we've won it again under him."

CONMEBOL pulled this summer's Copa America from Argentina due to an increase of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Colombia was previously dropped as a co-host because of protests against President Ivan Duque.

The tournament is scheduled for June 13 through July 10.

CONMEBOL added that a new host would be announced "soon."

CONMEBOL postponed this summer's Copa America until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This is an extraordinary measure for an unexpected situation and responds to the fundamental need to avoid the exponential evolution of the virus," said CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez.

The tournament will now be rescheduled between June 11th and July 11th. The tournament will take place in Argentina and Colombia.

The decision comes on the heels of UEFA suspending the European Championship until 2021.

Brazil federation president Rogerio Caboclo has initiated contact with PSG and Real Madrid about releasing Neymar, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo for this summer's Olympics.

Brazil won the gold medal for the first time during the 2016 Olympics.

Neymar has recently stated his desire to play in the Olympics, though the Copa America could throw a wrench in the scheduling.

The Copa America final is scheduled 10 days before the start of the Olympics. 

"I am willing to play at both the Copa America and the Olympics. However, I think it is a bit complicated -- ask PSG. The other time [2016], when I was with Barcelona, they would not let me play in both. I hope 100 percent to be able to help Brazil in some way," said Neymar.

Neymar has expressed his desire to play in both Copa America and the Olympics for Brazil this summer.

"I am in form. I am willing to play at both the Copa America and the Olympics. However, I think it is a bit complicated -- ask PSG," said Neymar following a recent match against Monaco.

Neymar then called PSG's attacking four of Mauro Icardi, Angel di Maria, Kylian Mbappe, and himself among the best in the world. 

"I strongly believe this formation [with PSG's 'fantastic four' attackers] will work. It does not matter if you play with four, five or six strikers. If everyone runs and everyone helps each other, PSG can play in any formation. We know we have quality and we are among the best in the world."

Edinson Cavani spoke of his confrontation with Lionel Messi during Uruguay's 2-2 draw with Argentina.

Cavani reportedly challenged Messi to a fight, to which Messi responded "whenever you want."

"It's part of football, Clasicos are like this. The truth is that it was at times a game that had friction, there were challenges and things that are part of football, especially of South American [football]," said Cavani.

Messi also made headlines for a confrontation with Brazil manager Tite last week. 

Lionel Messi took on a more vocal role for Argentina during the 2019 Copa America, according to Angel Di Maria.

"Messi told us he was proud of the team we had built. That we had not been together much as some had not been called up [to the senior team] before. Yet, it felt as though we had all been together for many years. He said that we had all rowed in the same direction from the first day. That he was very proud of the youngsters for their commitment to this jersey and if they were there and gave what they gave at the Copa America, it was because they more than deserved to be there. Once he finished, everyone was in tears because it touched everyone's hearts, especially the youngsters," said Di Maria.

Argentina lost to Brazil 2-0 in the semifinals in the tournament.

Di Maria said he's seeing an evolution in Messi.

"The important thing is that Leo is like this. I like this Messi."