Lionel Messi makes Copa America Team of the Tournament alongside Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez after landing trophy No. 45

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner may not have been at his inspirational best – as he was at the 2022 World Cup – but still skippered his country to a second successive continental crown. Messi went goalless through the group stage, with his solitary strike coming in a semi-final win over Canada.

He exited the battle for ultimate glory in tears, after rolling his ankle, but hobbled his way to pick up trophy No.45 of his record-breaking career after seeing Argentina overcome Colombia 1-0 in extra-time. Messi has been included in the Copa Team of the Tournament attack alongside countryman Lautaro Martinez and Brazilian winger Raphinha.

Rodrigo de Paul and Cristian Romero also make the cut for Argentina, along with enigmatic goalkeeper Emi Martinez. He enhanced his reputation as a penalty-saving king when helping the Albiceleste to prevail in an epic quarter-final clash with Ecuador that went to a shootout and saw Messi clip a Panenka effort onto the crossbar.

James Rodriguez starred for Colombia, and gets the nod, while Manchester United-linked midfielder Manuel Ugarte is the sole representative for Uruguay. Canada impressed many by reaching the semi-finals, and Alistair Johnston is selected at right-back. Davinson Sanchez and Piero Hincapie of Colombia and Ecuador respectively complete the defensive unit.