Lionel Messi shared his expectations ahead of the start of the Copa America

The first match of the Copa America 2024 will take place on the night of Friday, 21 June. The defending champion, Argentina, will play against Canada.

The leader and captain of Argentina, Lionel Messi, shared his expectations before the match. According to him, Argentina is the tournament favourite.

"I've always said and I'm still saying that Argentina is the favourite, but you know, we always think we're the best, it's a given for us, and that's why we've often been burned. Today we can really say that we are the favourites because we are the last world champions, but that doesn't mean we will win the Copa America playing on foot," Messi said.

As a reminder, Lionel Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. Now his team is preparing for the Copa America and will defend the title. The Argentine striker revealed whether he plans to play at the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina's national team coach Lionel Scaloni has finalized a squad of 26 players who will participate in the Copa America, taking place from June 20 to July 14. "Albiceleste" will compete in Group A alongside Canada, Peru, and Chile.