Lionel Messi goes for glory at Copa America tournament
Days after their Champions League victory, the Argentine and Barcelona teammate Neymar are in Chile for the start of the regional soccer showpiece
Argentina are favourites to end a 22-year trophy drought when the Copa America kicks off in Chile as a resurgent Brazil chase redemption following their ill-fated campaign at last year's World Cup.
One of the most eagerly anticipated Copas in years gets under way in Santiago, with hosts Chile launching the three-week extravaganza of South American football against Ecuador in group A Thursday morning (HK time).
It's great to play with the national team, to wear the shirt and to be captain. But getting a title would be the ultimate for me
The 12-team tournament is a convention of football's deadliest attacking talents, with a galaxy of Europe-based stars including Lionel Messi, Neymar, James Rodriguez, Alexis Sanchez and Edinson Cavani set to shine.
The competition also comes as a welcome relief to South America's governing body Conmebol, which has been battered by corruption allegations in the ongoing scandal which has rocked world football.
Argentina captain Messi and Brazilian counterpart Neymar head to Chile less than a week after inspiring Barcelona to their Champions League triumph in Berlin on Saturday, the final act of a glittering treble-winning season.
Both No 10s are carrying the weight of expectation on their shoulders, with Messi determined to finally taste glory at a major international tournament with Argentina and Neymar aiming to erase the memory of last year's World Cup.