Lionel Messi and Argentina failed to convince in the group stages at the Copa America but they will look to put that behind them when they face Venezuela in the quarter-finals on Friday. Argentina, who have not won the tournament since 1993, had only one point from their first two games in Group B, but a 2-0 win over Qatar put them in the knockout stages. They face Venezuela in Rio de Janeiro on Friday night knowing that a victory will set up a semi-final on Tuesday against hosts Brazil. The Brazilians defeated Paraguay on penalties after playing out a 0-0 draw on Thursday in their quarter-final. Messi and his teammates trained on Thursday at Fluminese's training ground as they prepare to face the Group A runners-up. Messi, Argentina's captain, has had a quiet tournament so far, his lone goal coming from the penalty spot against Paraguay. Venezuela are yet to taste defeat in the competition, holding Brazil and Peru to goalless draws in Group A, before beating Bolivia 3-1. The game kicks off at 11pm UAE time on Friday evening.
