Copa America 2019: 3 reasons why Lionel Messi can win the title with Argentina this year
Lionel Messi has dominated world football for over the last decade, mesmerizing fans around the globe with his breathtaking displays on a consistent basis.
The Barcelona icon has enjoyed unprecedented success over the years with his club, winning 34 titles with the Blaugrana which includes 4 Champions League trophies and 10 league titles among other accolades.
On an individual level, Messi is in a league of his own. Owing to his exploits over the years, the Argentine maestro has won five Ballon d'Or awards, six European Golden Shoes, six Pichichis, as well as other individual accolades.
Despite establishing himself as one of the greatest of all time with Barcelona, Messi is yet to replicate his success with his National team. The 31-year-old has constantly met with disappointments in tournaments with his country - the latest of them being in the 2018 World Cup.
Once again, Messi will get the chance to prove his critics wrong and win a major trophy with Argentina. After losing in the finals of the tournament in 2015 and 2016, the Argentine is set to captain the Albiceleste in the Copa America this year which begins on 15th June.
Without further ado, let us take a look at three reasons why Messi can end his trophy drought with Argentina.
#3 Less negativity
The current Albiceleste squad is filled with more youth players, who will be under less pressure. Most of the players who suffered final exits in the previous Copa America tournaments and in the 2014 World Cup are not currently in the squad, which is why the baggage is also low this time around.
Defenders like Funes Mori, Acuna and Saravia are set to feature whereas the likes of Paredes and Lo Celso can provide the much needed raw injection of pace and energy in this team.
The absence of Gonzalo Higuain and Mascherano will surely have an impact but the negativity among the new generation players will be less. Moreover, the absence of someone like Mauro Icardi will have a positive effect in the dressing room for Messi and co. too.