JAKARTA - Ahead of his 150th appearance for the Argentine national team, the now 34-year-old Lionel Messi is still chasing his first major success with Argentina which did not include 2008 Olympic gold.
Four goals and four assists in the Copa America so far saw Messi take Argentina to the semifinals to face Colombia at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday.
Last Saturday he scored one goal and provided two assists as Argentina beat Ecuador 3-0 in the quarter-finals. It was Messi's first game since his contract with Barcelona expired.
Messi has played 149 times for Argentina. His performances inspired the last five games compared to his best days with Barcelona, including his vision on the pitch, quality of his passing and two goals from free kicks.
"We have to relax, now think of Colombia, they are a tough team with great players, experienced, very fast up front, great defenders and fast counter-attacks," said Messi. "We hope to go one step at a time ... and get to the final we want."
#CopaAmérica¡Abrazame y gritemos juntos ! pic.twitter.com/Hmj5FKsvDL
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) July 4, 2021
Nine Argentine coaches have sought to emulate the same Barcelona-style Argentina that made Messi shine and become the Catalan club's all-time leading goalscorer.
"This is the best player we've ever talked about," said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
"The best thing that can happen to us football fans is that he plays until the age he can do it, and we enjoy it. Nothing else. Even the opponents enjoy it when he plays," said Scaloni.
His team-mates have played their part in Messi's revival for Argentina, who last won the Copa America in 1993.
Messi has a good understanding with Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso, all three of whom are young and dynamic midfielders.
Striker Lautaro Martinez continued to press defenders and opened the door for Messi to make the difference in the final third of the pitch.
Messi appears to be pushed for the July 10 final at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, the same stadium where Argentina, then captained by Messi, surrendered to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final.
The day before Argentina play their semi-finals on Tuesday, defending champions Brazil will face Peru.
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