GOAL

Colombia star James Rodriguez feels it would be unfair to bill his side's Copa America quarter-final tie against Argentina as a clash between him and opposing number Lionel Messi.

The Colombian feels it would be unfair to make the quarter-final about the two stars and states the best is yet to come from his country

Jose Pekerman's side have endured a slow start to the tournament in Chile despite their wealth of talent, only scraping into the last eight on the final day of the group stages with a 0-0 draw against Peru.

However, the last-eight match up between Los Cafeteros is seen as an enticing fixture as the Barcelona and Real Madrid attackers go head-to-head, though James feels the two players should not take centre stage.

"Messi is from another planet," he told reporters. "He’s a unique player, but Colombia are able to play against difficult sides with great players. You can’t just talk about a James v Messi battle because it wouldn't be fair. 

"If I want to be involved and there’s no space, we’ve got other players who can break through. If I can’t [find openings], the others will."

The 23-year-old admitted his side have not been at their best so far in the tournament, but believes that the tournament hosts are the only team impressing at the moment.

"This Copa America is proving very tough, nobody has been good," he said. "Only Chile, who won 5-0 against Bolivia, have been but nobody else has been outstanding.

"It’s been very equal. We’re quite clear about how good the Argentina players are, we'll both be up for it, because Colombia play well and we’ll try to do that. It’ll be a good game."