For Lionel Messi, the now-or-never moment is near. The 34-year-old talisman, for both club and country, is still seeking his first major success with Argentina to silence doubters.

Argentina last won the Copa in 1993. They were in the World Cup final in 2014 but lost to Germany. The Olympic gold of 2008 is the only showpiece medal in his cabinet that Messi can flaunt as having won for his country.

The Copa though is within striking distance this year. But for that Messi must first take Argentina past Colombia, a tricky opponent, in the semi-final, and then, unless there’s a major upset in the other last-four clash, Brazil.

Ironically, Argentina and Colombia were to co-host the tournament. But Conmebol, the organisers, stripped Colombia of hosting rights following anti-government protests and the tournament was moved out of Argentina following a surge in Covid-19 cases.

On Saturday, Messi scored one goal — from a free-kick — and provided two assists in Argentina’s 3-0 win against Ecuador in the quarter-final. It was Messi’s first game since his contract with Barcelona expired, making him a free agent.

His inspired performances in the last few matches have given Argentina fans hope that maybe this will be the year they have been waiting for. Messi has been an inspiration as a captain and a player, encouraging midfielders Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul, and allowing centre-forward Lautaro Martinez to splice open spaces.

But Messi will know Colombia are not an easy opponent. In Wilmar Barrios, they have a defensive midfielder who is among the best markers in the business — the Zenit St Petersburg player is swift, tough and deadly accurate with his passes.

“We have to take it easy, think about Colombia now, they are a tough team with players who are great, experienced, very quick up front, good defenders and fast counter-attackers,” Messi said after the victory over Ecuador.

“We hope to go step-by-step... and be at this final we crave for.”

The defence is a weak area for Argentina and looked like leaking against Ecuador. Against Colombia, they have to be alert, especially if Luis Diaz and Duvan Zapata are given space.

For the record, Messi needs one goal to equal Pele’s record for most international goals (77) by a South American male footballer. Messi should be able to set his record in this tournament itself as he seems hungry. For goals. And glory.