Barcelona’s Lionel Messi isn’t discouraged with previous attempts at winning trophies for his country in international competitions that ended with disappointments. He insists that he’s determined to make it third time lucky when Argentina play Chile in the Copa America final on Monday.
Image: Lionel Messi
Messi led Argentina to the 2014 World Cup and Copa America last year, reaching the finals on both occasions but missing the trophy by a whisker.
The Barca forward says his country have prepared well enough to have the game of their lives. He believes the team is ready–more than ever– to change history and become a champion.
“The final is important for me because I could win a Copa America. It’s the third final I’ve got to play in with the national team and I hope to change history one day and become a champion,” the No 10 said at a Press conference.
“Winning would certainly be the best gift we could give, not only for me [in reference to turning 29 on Friday] but the whole group. We must seize this opportunity and win the cup by any means.
“[On possibly losing a third straight final with Argentina], I don’t know if it’d be a failure.
“Still, this is my third consecutive final and not winning it would be a big disappointment.
“We’re feeling very well, very excited and raring to play this game. We’ve arrived [for the final] spectacularly, but it’s true that we have to prove it on the pitch.
“We’ve grown a lot as a team, as a group, and become more united this past year. We’re focused on the cup and no-one can change that.”
Too bad, he will have to wait…
Messi is history…lol