by Dolapo Adelana

The 2016 Copa America kicked off on Saturday June 4, with host – United States of America losing the opener to Colombia by two goals to nil.

The championship gradually progressed as other teams showed their mettle as contenders.

While Mexico’s 3-1 victory over Uruguay put a dent to their title chances, the Uruguayans lost their second game by a goal to Venezuela thereby crashing out.

A clearly angry Luis Suarez could not hide his frustration for being kept on the bench throughout the second game.

With Uruguay knocked out, Argentina’s only major rival for the cup, Brazil also crashed out in the first round, losing to Peru one-nil in the final group game.

The ouster of Uruguay and Brazil from the Copa America appears to have put the La Albiceleste as the clear favourites for the title.

The Argentines won all their group games and gathered the maximum nine points. In their first group game, they defeated Chile 2-1, the team they lost to on penalties in last year’s final.

Lionel Messi came off the bench in their second game against Panama to score a hat trick within the space of 19 minutes.

This year’s Copa America puts Argentina in pole position to lift the trophy – giving Lionel Messi the opportunity to finally win something with and for his country.

A win for Argentina will bring them joint top on 15 titles, with record title holders Uruguay.

Argentina last won the title in 1993 and their perennial rivals Brazil have lifted the trophy four times since then (1997, 1999, 2004 and 2007).