Mascherano aims to end Argentina drought

Argentina captain Javier Mascherano claims his team have a ‘responsibility’ to win next month’s Copa America on home soil.

The hosts are looking to take out their first major football tournament since claiming the 1993 edition of the South American championships in Ecuador.

And midfielder Mascherano, who helped Barcelona to the UEFA Champions League title last month, says that sort of underachievement has to end:

“Argentina is always up there,” he said.

“On top of that, it (the Copa America) will be played here.”

“We recognise the responsibility we have and more than anything the obligation, the obligation to defend a country that hasn’t been able to win an international competition for a long time.”

Since 1990, Argentina have failed in their attempts to capture the biggest prize in the international game, having fallen at the quarter-final stage of the last two FIFA World Cups.

Mascherano believes success in the Copa America, after finishing runners-up in 2004 and 2007, could spark something special:

“In soccer the only way to have the people back you is to infect them. And the only way to infect them is by doing something big,” he said.

The 27-year-old midfielder starred alongside countryman Lionel Messi as Barcelona clinched their second Champions League trophy in three years, beating Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley Stadium.

Argentina coach Sergio Batista wants his side to play like the Catalan giants – a team he believes is the best in history.

And striker Sergio Aguero says competition for places is the key to fulfilling that aim:

“I don’t think anybody here has their spot guaranteed,” Aguero said.

“You have to train hard and earn it. These are the first practices, but we’re saying that everyone wants to be a part and have it be a great Copa America.”

Argentina host Albania in a pre-tournament friendly on June 20.

The competition favourites then face three Group A matches against Bolivia, Colombia and Costa Rica.