Home

Messi worried about getting COVID at Copa

AAPAAP
A concerned Lionel Messi is preparing to lead Argentina at the Copa America in COVID-ravaged Brazil.
Camera IconA concerned Lionel Messi is preparing to lead Argentina at the Copa America in COVID-ravaged Brazil. Credit: AP

Argentina striker Lionel Messi says he's worried about contracting COVID-19, a day before he kicks off another Copa America with the national side amid a spate of infections among rival teams.

Players or officials from Bolivia, Colombia and Venezuela tested positive for the virus even before the South American tournament got underway on Sunday evening in Brasilia.

Messi, who will line up for Argentina in their opener against Chile in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, said the fear of contracting the virus was widespread in the squad.

"It worries us because it is a risk for everyone catching COVID," he told reporters.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

"We try to be careful but it's not easy. These things happen.

The Game AFL 2024

"We'll try to do all we can so no one gets it but sometimes it doesn't depend solely on ourselves."

Argentina was due to host this year's Copa America but withdrew at the last minute due to a surge of COVID-19 cases. The tournament was moved to Brazil, even though the death toll there is higher than anywhere outside the United States.

Although organisers claim they put strict protocols in place, Venezuela lost eight players to positive tests before the tournament's opening match against the host nation and Bolivia lost three.

The inexperienced Venezuelans went down 3-0, with Marquinhos, Neymar and Gabriel Barbosa scoring for the Selecao.

Brazil won this tournament two years ago, beating Argentina in a controversial semi-final, and Messi said he was desperate to finally replicate his club success at international level.

"My big dream is to win a title with the national team. I was very close on many occasions and unfortunately it didn't work out. I will keep going until I can't any more," said the Barcelona forward and six-time winner of the best player in the world award.

"I've been lucky enough to win everything at a club level and on an individual level and it would be beautiful to win with the national team as well."

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails