• Lionel Messi keeps his eye on the ball during Argentina's final training session before they start their Copa America campaign on Saturday. Reuters
    Lionel Messi keeps his eye on the ball during Argentina's final training session before they start their Copa America campaign on Saturday. Reuters
  • Messi enjoys a run during training. EPA
    Messi enjoys a run during training. EPA
  • Messi controls the ball as he trains with his teammates in Salvador. AP Photo
    Messi controls the ball as he trains with his teammates in Salvador. AP Photo
  • Messi controls the ball as he trains with his teammates ahead of the Copa America. AP Photo
    Messi controls the ball as he trains with his teammates ahead of the Copa America. AP Photo
  • Messi, right, is closed down by teammate Nicolas Tagliafico during training. AFP
    Messi, right, is closed down by teammate Nicolas Tagliafico during training. AFP
  • Messi enjoys a sit on the grass during the session. EPA
    Messi enjoys a sit on the grass during the session. EPA
  • It was a busy session for Messi, right, and his teammates as they prepare to try and become the first Argentine side to win the Copa America since 1993. AFP
    It was a busy session for Messi, right, and his teammates as they prepare to try and become the first Argentine side to win the Copa America since 1993. AFP
  • Messi gets a shot away during training. Reuters
    Messi gets a shot away during training. Reuters
  • Messi makes a run with the ball during training in Salvador. AP Photo
    Messi makes a run with the ball during training in Salvador. AP Photo
  • Messi with the ball at his feet. AFP
    Messi with the ball at his feet. AFP
  • Messi, right, with Watford's Roberto Pereyra. AFP
    Messi, right, with Watford's Roberto Pereyra. AFP
  • Messi finds himself under pressure with the ball during training. AFP
    Messi finds himself under pressure with the ball during training. AFP
  • Messi looks to get past Marcos Acuna during training. AFP
    Messi looks to get past Marcos Acuna during training. AFP
  • Messi controls the ball as his teammates look on. EPA
    Messi controls the ball as his teammates look on. EPA

Lionel Messi and Argentina train in Brazil before Copa America opener against Colombia - in pictures


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Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates completed their final training session before they begin their Copa America challenge on Thursday night in Brazil.

The squad, managed by Lionel Scaloni, were put through their paces in Salvador at the Itaipava Arena Font Nova where they will play Colombia in their first Group B game.

Messi, the side's captain, was at the centre of the action as he spoke with teammates throughout the session as well as showing his repertoire of skills.

Argentina have not won the tournament since 1993 and this will be Messi's fifth attempt at trying to get a winners' medal.

Three of the four Copa Americas involving Messi have seen Argentina fall short. They lost to Brazil in 2007 and then on penalties in both 2015 and 2016 against Chile.

Argentina's opening game with Colombia is on Saturday, but starts at 2am on Sunday UAE time.

Their other games in Group B are against Paraguay on June 19 in Bela Horizonte and then against Qatar on June 23 in Porte Alegre.