“Argentina are always favourites” - Lionel Messi makes confident claim ahead of Copa America 2024
Lionel Messi has admitted that Argentina are always among the favorites in every edition of Copa America. He added that being the defending champions, they were ready to fight to retain the trophy, but acknowledged the increased pressure because they were now world champions as well.
Speaking to America TV's Marcelo Tinelli, Messi stressed that his team would not take things for granted. He said:
"Argentina are always favourites. I think it is going to be a very eventful tournament because national teams are becoming better and better. Argentina is always the favourite, we are like that and we take things for granted, that's why we took so many blows. Today we are the best because we won the World Cup, but the Copa America is going to be difficult.
"Feeling loved by the entire country is the best, the greatest thing one can achieve as an athlete and as a person. I want to thank you and tell you that this continues and that we are going to try to win the Copa America again but let's remember that not everything is about winning."
Lionel Messi ended his search for an international trophy with Argentina after winning the Copa America in 2021. Things got even better for the Inter Miami star when he led his side to the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Lionel Messi wary of competition at Copa America
Lionel Messi has admitted that Copa America will be closely fought and named Ecuador as a dark horse among other tournament favorites like Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay. He said:
"It is going to be very close and all the teams are difficult. Ecuador has a generation of very good players who are intense, physically strong and have a clear plan. Then there's Colombia, Uruguay and Brazil. Neymar has had a tough year and it's a shame he won't be here [because of a knee injury]. But Brazil always produces players that are able to step up. Brazil is like Argentina: they will also be one of the favorites."
Argentina kick off their Copa America campaign against Canada on Thursday, June 20.