Messi's Copa is half full
Posted Sunday, June 05, 2011 by Newsoftheworld
LIONEL MESSI flew into Buenos Aires on Tuesday and a nation reminded him there are bigger things than Barcelona.
Messi will be back in competitive action on July 1, when he pulls on an Argentina shirt against Bolivia in the Copa America.
The host country is expected to win the tournament, piling the pressure on Sergio Batista's team to lift the trophy for the first time since 1993.
Icon... Barcelona sensation Lionel Messi is mobbed on his return to Argentina
It's a long way back for Messi and the rest of the Argentina team after their 4-0 defeat against Germany in the World Cup quarter-final last year.
They have moved on from Diego Maradona, but Messi still has to convince a country that international football is meant for him.
The national team rarely spend time together, thrown together after long seasons in Europe to prepare for the most prestigious tournament in South America.
All six forwards - Messi, Tevez, Higuain, Lavezzi, Aguero and Milito - selected for the Copa America squad play in Europe.
Messi was in the team beaten 3-0 in the final by Brazil four years ago in Venezuela, but expectations have increased since 2007.
At 23 he is at the top of his game, the World Player of the Year with three Champions League medals under Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola.
His goals are expected to get them to the final on July 24, leading the team to glory inside River Plate's stunning stadium.
That was the venue for Argentina's World Cup win in 1978, but another blue-and-white ticker-tape reception is down to Messi.
Photos
More»
Former Premier League Wag stuns in lace lingerie
Tuesday April 30 2024
SCOTT Sinclair is dating Helen Flanagan's friend
Tuesday April 30 2024
Meet Arsenal and Tottenham's breathtaking hot WAGs
Monday April 29 2024
Your Say