Hey guys, how are you doing and how is the weather over there? Well, the wind here is a bit harsh and the cloud looks like it's gonna cry in no distant time, but that should be the least of my worries since I can do little or nothing to change that which nature has programmed. Now, let's talk sports, that's why I came around your neighborhood.

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The stage is set and the tempo is high. Apart from the African Nations Cup about to kickoff in few days time in Egypt, football fans all over the world are keenly waiting for the Kickoff of Copa America, which will be hosted in Brazil. Lots of disturbing rumours have been making the rounds ahead of the tournament, ranging from Neymar's rape saga to his injury which will leave the PSG star boy out of the Brazilian squad.

However, there are even more interesting subjects like whether Lionel Messi will be able to win the Cup with Argentina this time. Lots of debate have continued to pour in as regards the Barcelona captain's National glory. Why many have said he is not putting his whole might to play for Argentina, others are of the view that for him to be crowned the "Greatest Of All Time," he must win a major trophy with the Argentine National team.

There are also some football folks who believe that Leo will only be said to be greater than the likes of Pele or Maradona only when he wins the world cup or lift a major trophy with the Argentine national team. Well, it's a free world and everyone is entitled to their opinions. No doubt, Lionel Messi has been unfortunate when it comes to the national team, but none of those events is his fault. But in the end, everyone points towards him for not conjuring his magic to blindfold other teams so Argentina could lift the trophy.

In fact, if there is anything the Five Times Ballon d'Or winner desire the most, it's undoubtedly winning a major trophy with his national team. He has suffered lots of heart wrecks with the national team, ranging from losing the World Cup final to losing Copa America finals more than once. For me, I just don't think he needs to win a major trophy with Argentina before I will see him as the greatest the game has ever seen. That's not gonna be possible, at least not with this breed of players he will be going with. This team looks like the weakest he will be playing with in his entire senior career.

The Barcelona talisman had made his undying desire to win a silverware known to Fox Sports after his arrival at home in preparation for the tournament. He said "I want to finish my career and win something with the national team, I don't want to be left with the thought that things didn't work out. I want to pick myself up and try again. That's life: fall down, get back up again and fight for your dreams." Despite his hunger, I feel pity for him because I know it's not gonna be possible. I may sound blunt though, but his detractors shouldn't expect him to build castles in the air with a team that have barely understood themselves.

There is a reason why I hold that not winning a trophy does not make Messi less of who he is in fact. In terms of individual performance, I don't think the Barcelona captain can be rivalled. So are we gonna say the Julio Baptista is better than Lionel Messi because he won two Copa America during his days in the Argentine national team? Also, do we now crown the former Inter and Roma player Adriano the Greatest of all time because he won the Copa America with Brazil in 2004, a tournament that saw him emerge as the top scorer.

Despite these fine players having won major trophies with their national teams, the fact still remains that even Messi's detractors won't compare them to the Barcelona captain in terms of Football pedigree. It goes to say that it's not about winning a trophy with the team, it's about individual input generally. I really don't see Argentina lifting this 2019 edition of Copa America. For me, Brazil are still favorites to win the tournament even without their star boy Neymar.