Argentina Napoli striker looks ahead to Copa America

Gonzalo Higuain believes that Lionel Messi's pending court trial in Spain won't affect the Barcelona striker ahead of the summer's Copa America.

Messi will stand accused of tax fraud on June 7 having already flown out to Argentina this week to join his fellow Albiceleste teammates who play a friendly against Honduras on Friday.

Then, instead of travelling with the squad to the United States, the Barcelona forward will return to Spain to testify before the courts.

It still remains unclear as to when exactly he'll be available at Gerardo Martino's disposal.

"Nothing is going to go against him, he's been a monster [on the pitch] for many years and will continue to demonstrate that [at the Copa America]," Higuain began.

"[Messi] knows he is the icon [of Argentine football] and hopefully he'll be back with us as soon as possible."

Higuain finished the season as the top goalscorer in Serie A with 36 goals and heads to the United States in positive spirits to end Argentina's 23-year trophy drought.

"This year I felt a confidence level that I had not felt [before]," the 28-year-old concluded."

"Every player who plays for the national team has pressure on their shoulders, they are used to it and the obligation to win titles.

"That pressure is usual every year so it's nice to always have an objective to win things."