Argentina's Lionel Messi returns to his position after a play against Colombia in the first round of the Copa America soccer tournament in Santa Fe July 6, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

SANTA FE - Colombia held hosts Argentina to a 0-0 draw in a Copa America match riddled with missed chances to retain their two-points lead in Copa America Group A on Wednesday.

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero made four saves from the Colombia attack when they had only him to beat, earning the man of the match award as coach Sergio Batista's team were booed off the pitch by their own fans at first division Colon's stadium in Santa Fe.

The home side also failed to put away chances while Batista's tactics did not help the heavily marked Lionel Messi, who exerted little influence and even blasted a free kick over the top.

Argentina could be pushed into third place in the group if Bolivia, who held the hosts 1-1 in the group opener last week in La Plata, beat Costa Rica in Jujuy on Thursday. Colombia beat the Costa Ricans 1-0 last Saturday.