Argentina captain Lionel Messi has assured that he is in better shape going into the Copa America than ahead of the World Cup in Brazil, where the 'Albiceleste' finished as runners-up.

The forward, who will turn 28 and win his 100th cap during the event, is eager to enhance his already brilliant CV by inspiring his country to victory in Chile and ending his international trophy drought in the process.

"Lifting silverware with the Argentinian national team is a dream. This group deserves to win something. We felt really down after the World Cup", the Barça talisman noted.

Messi feels that Argentina are among the favourites to triumph, though he is aware that they will have to beat some "great opponents" in "the most evenly matched Copa América in recent times".

"Both Javier Mascherano and I are focused on the Copa América. We want to win a trophy with Argentina. Winning it would be a perfect ending to the season".

In ten years in his country's senior set-up, in which he has scored 45 goals in 97 appearances, the closest Messi had come to international glory before last year's World Cup was at the 2007 Copa América, where Argentina claimed a silver medal and he was named the best young player of the tournament.

Argentina kick off their challenge this time round against Paraguay this Saturday, 13th June, at the Estadio La Portada in La Serena (northern Chile).