James Rodriguez gives emotional speech after breaking Lionel Messi record as Colombia set up Copa America final against Argentina

The former Real Madrid star, who now plays his club football in Brazil for Sao Paulo, has been a talismanic presence for his country since making a senior international debut in 2011. He has over 100 caps to his name and has retained his creative qualities at 32 years of age.

James is currently turning out at his fourth Copa, having first graced that competition in 2015, and has become the leading assist maker in a single edition of that tournament – dating back to 2011, when records first began to be counted.

Argentine superstar Messi had set that bar at five in 2021, when inspiring the Albiceleste to continental glory, but James has posted six in 2024. His efforts have lined up a final date with the current holders of the World Cup crown.

James told TyC Sports after teeing up Jefferson Lerma’s match-winning goal in a chaotic semi-final showdown with Uruguay: “We had an excellent game. The referee was not good. The boys who defended did well. The game was very complicated, against a very tough opponent, but we won a well-deserved place in the final. I've been here for almost 13 years, wanting this. We're happy.”

James has registered six assists through five games, while also finding the target himself from the penalty spot in a crushing 5-0 quarter-final win over Panama. He is now captain of his nation, with vast experience being put to good use.