Montevideo (AFP)
The last time Argentina won a trophy, Messi was 6 years old.
Since 1993 and the Copa América raised in Ecuador, Argentina and especially the six-fold Golden Ball have been disillusioned.
Will this 2021 Copa América finally be the right one?
Because time is running out for Messi who will celebrate his 34th birthday in full competition (June 27).
He also has his sights set on the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, the major trophy that, in the eyes of many Argentinian fans, sets him apart from Diego Maradona.
The star elevated to the rank of demigod during his lifetime, lifted the trophy in 1986 in Mexico City.
Messi won a World Cup, but it was that of the Under-20s in 2005. The 2008 Beijing Olympics are also on his record but he especially lost against Germany (1-0) in final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, in the legendary Maracana stadium ... where the final of this Copa America will be played.
Whoever has won everything in a club with Barcelona (35 titles) sees bad luck sticking to his sky blue and white jersey.
It is not one, not two, but three lost Copa América finals that tarnish his gigantic individual and club record.
In 2007 against Brazil (3-0) and twice on penalties in 2015 and 2016 against Chile.
Finally, will this 2021 vintage be the right one?
- Who is ahead with Messi?
-
Argentina is as usual favorite with the other South American giant, Brazil, carried by the second superstar of the tournament: Neymar.
# photo1
The two countries are currently leading South American qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
If Brazil is flying over its subject (6 wins in 6 matches), Argentina is having more difficulties (3V, 3N) but is the only one anchored in second place out of the four offering a ticket to Doha.
"In these six matches, Argentina has been superior to its opponents. We would have deserved to win them all. But deserved victories do not count in football," however reassured Argentinian coach Lionel Scaloni.
The last outing Tuesday in Colombia (2-2) cannot contradict his observation.
Argentina led by two goals after eight minutes of play and controlled an opponent too focused on the physical challenge, an area where the Albiceleste has the answer with Nicolas Otamendi, Leandro Paredes, or even the very young Cristian Romero who has become essential.
Messi had the opportunity to "kill" the match on several occasions: on a free kick in the scope, a deep caviar for Lautaro Martinez or a half-volley in the area.
A heroic David Ospina pushed it all back and Colombia equalized in the final action.
A penalty in the form of a booster shot for Argentina who needs a decisive Messi, certainly aging but a fifth consecutive top scorer in La Liga (30 goals), to open the paths to glory.
If Leo Messi is since June 21, 2016 the only top scorer in the history of the Albiceleste (144 matches, 72 goals), his performance is barely in the Copa América (27 matches, 9 goals).
During the recent outings of Argentina, he still lacks real connivance around him and that he had with the Uruguayan Luis Suarez at Barça.
If Lautaro Martinez asserts himself essential and often decisive, Lionel Scaloni also has two other assets up his sleeve, certainly not very young, but whose complementarity with Messi has already done wonders in the past: Angel di Maria and especially Sergio "Kun "Aguero.
Aguero has just left Manchester City to settle down in Barcelona.
Messi, he has not yet made it known if he remains in his club forever.
Their agreement in this Copa América could have repercussions beyond the long-awaited title which has been eluding him for so long.
Beginning of response Monday in Rio (9:00 p.m. GMT) for the entry into competition against the Chilean executioner of the last two finals.
© 2021 AFP