Orenburg's 27-year-old Argentine striker Braian Mansilla has assessed the chances of the national team to win the America's Cup and spoke about the significance of a possible victory for the country.
Our national team has every chance to win. They are world champions, they played very well, they have top players in the squad. I think they have a great chance of winning the Copa America title. Argentina haven't lost for a long time, I think their last defeat was at the World Cup. The team is very strong, they have the strongest players and the same coaching staff. If they win the tournament, it will be a great joy for our country and people.
Braian Mansilla exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
"The game without Messi? I did not watch the match because of the time zone difference. It started at 4am Turkish time. But even without him, I think there are some great players in the team, the national team is just as strong. Of course, something is missing without Leo," Mansilla told Telecomasia.net.
Argentina will face Ecuador in the quarter-finals of the America's Cup on 5 July at 04:00 GMT+3.
For the first time in eight years Messi was not in the starting line-up of the Argentina national team for the America's Cup match against Peru due to an injury. On 2 July, the Argentine Football Association reported that the legendary footballer returned to training with the team.
For more information read our Copa America 2024 Guide!