Messi dreams first title at Copa America

Lionel Messi celebrated his 29th birthday yesterday and is on the brink of a first senior international title, with Argentina facing Chile in the Copa America Centenario final tomorrow.

The Argentina’s captain also look forward to more challenges with Barcelona and wants to remain at the club for as long as possible.

After making his debut in 2004, Messi has helped Barca to 28 titles and become the club’s, and La Liga’s, all-time highest scoring player.

And the talismanic forward hopes there will be plenty more to come from him at Camp Nou.

“I feel very good physically and mentally. I am having so much fun every time I go out on the pitch,” Messi told Sport.

“I’ve always said I am happy in Barcelona and as long as the club and the people want, I’ll be happy to help them face new challenges.

“If injuries respect me and I still have some luck, my intention is to play for many more years.”

Meanwhile, the Argentina captain hit out at the country’s football association after the team’s flight to New Jersey was delayed.

Messi was less than impressed with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Thursday, with the flight from Houston grounded ahead of Sunday’s Copa America Centenario final against Chile in New Jersey.

Argentina’s new all-time leading goalscorer after netting his 55th international goal in the 4-0 semi-final win over the United States, Messi took to Instagram to vent his frustration.
“Once again waiting on a plane to leave for our destination,” Messi wrote.

“What a disaster the AFA are. My God!”

Messi’s Instagram post drew a response from the AFA, who released a statement, which read: “The Argentine Football Federation informs that the flight which is transporting the national team to New Jersey suffered a delayed departure due to weather issues.

“Also, the AFA advises that all of the scheduled times of the transfers are designated by the organisers of the Copa America Centenario.”

Argentina – seeking to end their 23-year wait for a major title – will face defending champions Chile in a rematch of last year’s final at MetLife Stadium.

• Culled from Soccerway.com