Copa America 2024 is just around the corner. Lionel Messi has officially taken a temporary leave from Inter Miami to help his beloved nation defend the CONMEBOL-based tournament. Coming in as World Champions, Argentina are backed favorites to again lift the prestigious award. However, La Pulga shares a different perspective, insisting that this year’s installment could be a ‘close‘ one.

With just weeks remaining until the competition kicks off, Messi sat down for an exclusive interview for InfoBae with renowned Argentinian journalist, Pollo Alvarez. As compiled by @psg__chief on X, Alvarez asked his views on La Albiceleste being a favorite. However, the 36-year-old quickly downplayed the hype.

“I think Argentina are always favorites in all competitions whether Copa America, World Cup or whatever same as teams like Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay. It is a very difficult tournament but I think it is going to be a very close Copa America this year,” he said. Clearly, Messi isn’t interested in being overconfident before entering the tournament. The former PSG star knows the competition Lionel Scaloni and Co. can face.

Be it Luis Suarez-led Uruguay or Neymar-less Brazil, all the participating nations would be eager to steal the crown from the 2022 World Cup winners. Notably, Argentina leads Group A and is drawn alongside Canada, Peru, and Chile. A top 2 finish in the group stage will take them to the next stages of the competition.

But before kicking off the Copa America on June 20, Argentina will play two warm-up friendlies against Ecuador and Guatemala later this week. While the presence of Messi makes a world of difference, the entire team knows that depending on their skipper won’t win them games!

The presence of Lionel Messi means ‘nothing’ for Argentina ahead of Copa America 2024

Despite the presence of Lionel Mesi, Rodrigo De Paul isn’t taking chances for the Copa America to relish the tag of favorites. In an interview earlier, the Atletico Madrid man said, “We know we are one of the favorites because we are the last champions of America, the world, and because we have Leo. That doesn’t mean anything though, and football is beautiful because the favorite doesn’t always win.”

The midfielder emphasizes that the team is approaching the tournament with the same enthusiasm as if it were their first time. He also recognizes that the opposing teams will present considerable challenges and would relish the chance to defeat the reigning champions. Ultimately, while expectations are high, the formidable champions are not underestimating the competition. Let’s see how it turns out for Lionel Messi and Co.