Messi says he'd give it all up to win the Copa América

Messi says he'd give it all up to win the Copa América

The FC Barcelona strike, on the cusp of 100 career games for Argentina, sits down with the newspaper 'La Nación'

When Leo Messi and Argentina face off against Jamaica this Saturday in the 2015 Copa América, it will mark the FC Barcelona striker’s 100th match with the The White and Sky Blue. And he’s hoping it will be a day to celebrate Argentina’s qualification for the quarter-finals.

In an interview with the Argentina newspaper La Nación, Messi talked about both his and the team’s current form. Here the highlights of what he had to say:

On his 100th game:

"I'm very happy to be here and hopefully I can celebrate another victory and once and for all win a title with Argentina."

"In these 100 games I have had incredible experiences, really great times. They’re unforgettable. I’ve been through situations that have helped me grow as a player, but unfortunately with no title to show for it. Hopefully I’ll have one to go with these 100 games. "

On the possibility of winning the Copa América:

"I would give it all up to win the Copa América. This group deserves it for the way they fight. We had a great World Cup and we deserve it."

"It’s what I picture. Winning the Copa América would us some give peace of mind for the [coming World Cup] qualifiers. Not only for my teammates, for the coach and for me. For the country. The fans also want us to succeed."

On the start of the competition:

"It was a tough start, with our mistakes against Paraguay, which cost us the victory, and the game against Uruguay, which played us really aggressively. I like to emphasize that Argentina has always come out to play football."

"After the draw against Paraguay we decided not to let it happen again. We talked a lot amongst ourselves. We know each other well, we pull together, and everyone knows that."

"I knew about the toughness of South American defences. We know that the games like that here. No problem, it’s something we have to face up to."

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