Copa America 2021 could be Lionel Messi’s last chance of winning the tournament

Lionel Messi-Argentina
Lionel Messi-Argentina

Copa America is set to begin on the 14th of June, and it could well be the final opportunity for Lionel Messi to win the tournament in his career.

Though much happened in past 24 hours, CONMEBOL confirmed that the tournament will now be organised by Brazil and there can be some minor changes to accomodate Copa America along with Brazilian Serie A, which will be organised simultaneously.

The Argentine international has been starved of trophies for his country, and he will be hoping to make amends by winning the South American tournament this summer.

The 33-year-old Barcelona superstar failed in his attempt to win the competition twice in his career before.

Argentina were beaten in the finals of the Copa America 2015 by Chile, and history repeated itself the next year as well. Messi managed just a single goal in the tournament in 2015.

Lionel Messi had to pick the runners up medal once again during the Copa America Centenario in 2016. He ended the tournament as the second top scorer with five goals.

The Barcelona star missed a penalty during the shootout against Chile in the finals, and a devastated Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after the defeat.

Considering his performances and achievements at the club level, it is fair to state that Messi has not been able to demonstrate his peak form for his country so far.

The Argentine international knows the pain of falling short right at the end all too well, having experienced it in the Copa America as well as the World Cup.

It will be interesting to see if Messi can replicate his club form and guide his country to an international trophy this summer.

Messi has been in spectacular form since the turn of the year, and he has 28 goals and nine assists to his name in 2021.

Several other Argentine stars, including Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria, are in their 30s as well, and the squad will have a lot to prove.

There will be no shortage of motivation and quality as far as Argentina are considered, and it remains to be seen whether they can snatch the title from their bitter rivals and Copa America holders Brazil.