Over the years I have played in the U.S. during friendlies for Argentina and FC Barcelona, but never in a competitive tournament. And this one matters for Argentina. We have nearly won our last two tournaments, reaching the finals of the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 Copa América, but we came up just short both times. You may be surprised to hear this, but Argentina has not raised a major senior trophy of any kind since 1993, and I think it’s important that we end the streak. Not that it will be easy, of course. Eight teams in this Copa América Centenario reached the round of 16 at the last World Cup—twice as many as you’ll see at Euro 2016 this summer.

Instagram

In Argentina’s opening game, we meet Chile on June 6 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. It’s a rematch of last year’s Copa América final, which was a bitter loss for us on penalty kicks, and you can be sure we’ll be motivated to play well that night. Soccer will be the main focus while I’m in the Bay Area, naturally, but part of me is also hoping to meet Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Seeing him play is magical. Everyone loves what he does: basketball fans, teammates, rivals. Our small sizes, and even our playing styles, are similar. In December he sent me his signed Warriors jersey. I sent back my signed shirt in April to return the favor.