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Messi: Argentina boss hopes 2020 Copa América isn't star's last

por Gertrudis Escoto·Diciembre 05, 2019 00:56
Messi and Argentina await Socceroos at Copa America

Messi and Argentina await Socceroos at Copa America

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni insisted that the country needs the Copa America more than Lionel Messi does.

Qatar has been drawn in Group B with Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru for the Copa America 2020, while Group A included Australia, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay.

Messi will be a star attraction for 14-time winners Argentina, who finished third at this year's Copa America, and he will enter the tournament as the reigning men's Ballon d'Or victor, an award he has claimed on a record six occasions.

Meanwhile, in a rematch of this year's third-place play-off, which Argentina won as Messi and Chile's Gary Medel were sent off, the two nations will meet again at the El Monumental on June 12. Argentina, despite not winning the trophy since 1993, could equal that total this summer.

"But Argentina need the title, more than just him".

Australia were drawn in Argentina's group for the 2020 Copa America on Tuesday while Asian champions Qatar will face Colombia and holders Brazil.

Australia and Qatar are now involved in AFC Round 2 qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, with Qatar taking part due to the tournament doubling as 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifying.

It will also be the stadium where the opening match of the tournament will take place. Eight teams, or the top four from each group, make it through to the quarterfinals.

No guest nation has won the Copa America, with Mexico coming closest by reaching the final in 1993 and 2001.