Messi downplays young Argentina's chances to win Copa title

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Lionel Messi has insisted that Argentina shouldn't be considered one of the favorites to win the upcoming Copa America as the squad is going through a process of change.

Messi, 31, will be the leader of a renewed Argentina team that is coached by a man without much experience on the job. Interim coach Lionel Scaloni has five victories, one draw and two losses with the national team.

Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria will be the only players remaining from the group that lost to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final.

“It is a logical change after an important phase, of important players, that did not win but made impressive things,” Messi said. “Today I see a very united group, with dreams and willingness to win Copa America.”

Argentina's soccer team during trains ahead of the Copa America in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 5, 2019. /VCG Photo

Messi has won dozens of club titles with Barcelona, and even took home a few trophies with Argentina's youth teams. But on the biggest stages in international soccer, Messi has come up short so far, losing in the 2014 World Cup final and in three Copa America finals – in 2007, 2015 and 2016.

The last time Argentina won an international title was at the 1993 Copa America.

Argentina will play its opening match against Colombia in Salvador. Paraguay and Asian champion Qatar are also in Group B.

The tournament runs June 14-July 7 in Brazil.

(With input from AP)