Messi's Argentina to face Brazil in dream Copa America final

South America's two biggest rivals will meet again in Saturday's Copa America final.

Argentina outlasted Colombia to win Tuesday's semifinal 3-2 on penalties and book a dream final with Brazil at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez confirmed Argentina's place in the showpiece event with a key save on Colombia's fifth attempt.

The match finished 1-1 after regular time.

Brazil last faced Argentina in the Copa America final in 2007, winning 3-0 that day in Venezuela.

Lionel Messi will now face former Barcelona teammate Neymar, who leads Brazil, in a match that could end the 34-year-old's long wait for a first major international title.

Messi is having an impeccable tournament, too.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner recorded his fifth assist of the Copa America when he teed up Lautaro Martinez just seven minutes into Tuesday's semifinal. Martinez took Messi's pass first-time in the penalty area for his third goal of the tournament.

Colombia stepped up in the second half, drawing Messi and Co. into a physical battle that resulted in a combined 47 fouls and 10 yellow cards. Messi played the majority of the half with a bloodied left ankle after taking a studs-up challenge.

Colombia scored the equalizer in the 61st minute when Luis Diaz fired home from a near-impossible angle.

Messi tried to prevent penalties with a howitzer of a shot that rattled off David Ospina's post in the 81st minute.

Martinez then made three stops in the shootout to send Argentina to the final.