"Even if Messi is not physically fit, he can change a game"

Former Argentina international Claudio Caniggia stressed, ahead of the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia, that even if Leo Messi is not physically fit, he is still capable of "changing the course of a match".

Caniggia, who took part in a mini-football match in the CONMEBOL fan zone, organised by the South American Confederation, highlighted the Argentine captain as a determining factor in winning the title.

"Messi is the best player in the world in the last... How old? He continues to demonstrate, at 37, that even if he's not in the best condition many times, it's not enough for him to be the protagonist of a team with a play, with a pass. Even if he's not, I repeat, physically fit, he can change the course of a match," said Caniggia.

The former striker also praised Colombia's James Rodríguez, of whom he said "he is a great player, who had his bad moments of criticism in the national team, but who has returned and is a leader now". "The group follows him, he has the most experience and is one of the players with the most quality," he added.

His compatriot Javier Zanetti predicted "an even, balanced match" and admitted that Lionel Scaloni's team's experience in playing in finals is important, but that they cannot be overconfident. "The boys know that there is one more step to glory and they will try to make the most of this opportunity," he said.

"Colombia are coming along very well with 28 games unbeaten, we have to recognise that. But Argentina also have the quality players to be able to play a great game," he added.