Messi targets title defence in possible Copa farewell

World champions Argentina get an expanded Copa America under way on June 20 (this morning, Singapore time), with Lionel Messi looking to add a second continental title in what is almost certainly his final appearance at the tournament.

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The 108-year-old competition is being held in the United States, with the host nation among six teams from the Concacaf region joining the 10 South American sides seeking a place in the July 14 final in Miami.

Defending champions Argentina have won the Copa 15 times but only once, in 2021, during the Messi era and coach Lionel Scaloni has stuck largely with his World Cupwinning squad.

Whether this is Messi's international swansong remains to be seen. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will turn 37 four days after the opener in Atlanta against Canada and has yet to decide whether he will try to play in a record sixth World Cup in 2026.

"It's great to have records and continue to achieve things but I won't take part in a World Cup just to say I've done six," the Argentina captain told ESPN last week.