The wait is almost over. One of football’s greatest talent, Lionel Messi, is set to take center stage in the 2015 Copa America, which kicked off on Thursday.
Having clinched the treble with the Blaugrana in an impressive, record-breaking season at Camp Nou, the 27-year-old is in Chile to guide his nation to their first Copa America title since 1993, a 22-year trophy drought.
Paraguay will be their opponent in Gerardo Martino's side's opening game. Ahead of the encounter, team-mate Javier Mascherano praised the four-time Ballon d'Or winner, claiming he has reinvented himself.
Speaking to Ole, the 31-year-old midfielder said:
“Messi is in the best moment of his career. Not because of his body, or everything that's been said [about his new diet], but because years pass, and this is a game. With more experience, you get a better understanding. And Leo has reinvented himself.
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“From a winger he turned into an incredible forward, a record breaker. Now he is a total player, in every aspect of the game. Assisting, playing away from the goal, passing, making the difference, playing one-on-one out wide, he is a football leader. We're now enjoying a 'global' version of Leo.”
With 45 goals for the national team, Messi does not boast a good record in the tournament, having managed only two goals in his entire career. Nonetheless, Leo will be the integral figure of Argentina's squad when they kick start their Copa America campaign.
