Lionel Messi has proudly declared that this Argentina side will "fight" anyone in their way of a third World Cup crown later this year in Qatar.
The Paris Saint-Germain star was speaking in the wake of La Albiceleste's 3-0 win over Italy in the first edition of the Finalissima - a contest that sees the winners of the Copa America take on the winners of the European Championship in a battle of the continents.
Anticipating his country's World Cup prospects, Messi explained: "We keep growing, that's what we are looking for. We are working on a day by day basis in order to improve further. We continue to say that we are not the top favourites, but we will put up a fight against anyone, because this group is hopeful, it has clear goals.
"We must keep improving. Now we have important matches in September, we need to work and improve in order to arrive the best way possible at our World Cup debut."
Messi was in fantastic form for his country, registering a brace of assists in the victory as Lautaro Martinez, Angel di Maria and Paulo Dybala all got on the score-sheet for Lionel Scaloni's side at Wembley. Surprisingly, this clash marked just the third time the winner of the Copa America has met the holders of the Euros.
The last occasion came back in 1993, when Argentina toppled Denmark via a penalty shoot-out. Notably, Wednesday night's victory also ensured Messi has drawn level with long-time Ballon d'Or rival Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of honours won at international level.
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While the Manchester United icon has proudly lifted both the Euros and the Nations League with Portugal, Messi has now helped guide Argentina to the Copa America and the Finalissima as the 34-year-old draws level with two trophies each.
Messi has won both of those honours while at PSG - a club he has struggled to adapt to since leaving Barcelona last summer. The forward has fallen well below expectations since arriving in the French capital - notching just six Ligue 1 goals across 26 games last term.
Messi opened up on his below-par form prior to his national team's clash against Italy. "It was really difficult to understand what happened, I wasn't expecting to leave Barcelona - it was a shock," he told Argentine outlet TyC Sports.
"I had everything in Barcelona. I left when I was very young. What's more: I lived more in Barcelona than in Argentina. The truth is that I had no plans to change anything. Luckily, the children's adaptation was spectacular. For Antonella and me it was more difficult."
