Lionel Messi: My big dream is to win a title with Argentina

Lionel Messi says his “big dream” is to win a title with Argentina ahead of the team’s opening Copa America fixture on Monday against Chile.

The Barcelona captain’s failure to win a major title with the national team is often used against him, but Messi says now could be the time to taste glory at international level.

Argentina open up their campaign with a tie against Chile in Rio with the captain sounding confident ahead of kick-off.

“I think this is the time to strike a blow and the chance could come in this Copa America,” he said.

“My big dream is to win a title with the national team. I was very close on many occasions and unfortunately it didn’t work out. I will keep going until I can’t any more.

“I’ve been lucky enough to win everything at a club level and on an individual level and it would be beautiful to win with the national team as well.”

The game comes just 10 days after the two teams faced each other in a World Cup qualifier in Argentina. The game ended in a 1-1 draw with Messi scoring from the penalty spot.