Messi: I want to make history

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is determined to make it third time lucky when Argentina play Chile in the Copa America final on Monday.

Messi captained Argentina to defeats in consecutive finals at the 2014 World Cup and Copa America last year, but he insists his country have prepared for their latest showdown “spectacularly” as he hopes to “change history and become a champion”.

“The final is important for me because I could win a Copa America. It’s the third final I’ve got to play in with the national team and I hope to change history one day and become a champion,” the No 10 said at a Press conference.

“Winning would certainly be the best gift we could give, not only for me [in reference to turning 29 on Friday] but the whole group. We must seize this opportunity and win the cup by any means.

“[On possibly losing a third straight final with Argentina], I don’t know if it’d be a failure.

“Still, this is my third consecutive final and not winning it would be a big disappointment.

“We’re feeling very well, very excited and raring to play this game. We’ve arrived [for the final] spectacularly, but it’s true that we have to prove it on the pitch.

“We’ve grown a lot as a team, as a group, and become more united this past year. We’re focused on the cup and no-one can change that.”

Tags Argentina Chile Copa America Lionel Messi
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