Lionel Messi and Argentina launch their latest bid for silverware as they head into this summer's very open Copa America in Brazil.
Argentina lost both the 2015 and 2016 finals on penalties to Chile, but don't go into this tournament as favourites - no side does.
A new opportunity
Messi's previous disappointments, whether in those finals against Chile or recently with Barcelona, can all be forgotten in Brazil if he can guide Argentina to Copa glory. Argentina haven't won a major international tournament since lifting the Copa America in 1993.
Very open competition
Picking a winner in this unpredictable tournament is never easy, and you can never rule out Messi. The absence of Neymar for hosts Brazil and the poor form of holders Chile makes this a very open Copa America. The usual suspects are involved while Qatar and Japan will compete as guests.
Look out for Uruguay
Uruguay never emerge as favourites for any tournament despite being South America's most successful nation with 15 titles to their name. With Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez up top and Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez at the back, why can't La Celeste dream of victory?
Another economic crisis
According to EFE, hosts Brazil will be fearing a similar economic crisis that they experienced after the political crisis and Rio Olympics in 2016, and after the World Cup in 2014. The country hasn't been able to reduce unemployment in recent years and many economic experts are predicting another recession.
Australia in 2020
With Colombia and Argentina selected as joint-hosts for the 2020 Copa America, Australia are due to join the tournament as guests. Qatar will also be involved again in the build-up to hosting their own World Cup in 2022. It's not been confirmed yet as to whether the final will be in Colombia or Argentina, but there will be no two-legged final.
BHARonaldosundar
118
even as a cr7 fan , i want messi to lift this copa and possibly next world cup...as a true football fan everyone knows who is the god of football and he deserves it after all he has received in the recent past like barca bottling against roma,liverpool and 3 final losses in a row with argentina..with no neymar brazil is weaker...LETS GO MESSI...magical messi
Longlife2000
45
Copa America kicks off tonight. One more ride For Messi!! We all know he's always going to give it a 100 % on the pitch, what we have to pray for is for his teammates to also step up! He needs support and is still not getting that. I just hope the situation changes This Time! Vamos Messi!