Messi´s Copa of dreams

Lionel Messi says Argentina dreams of Copa America, but are aware of the challenge that faces them in the quarter-finals against Uruguay.

Argentina tackle Uruguay at Santa Fe’s Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao Lopez on Saturday, in the first meeting between the two rivals since qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in October 2009.

While both sides are undefeated in the Copa America, their form has been unconvincing.

Argentina was held to two frustrating draws to Bolivia and Colombia, eventually breaking the shackles in a 3-0 over Costa Rica on Monday in their last Group A match.

Uruguay began their own tournament with two draws – against Peru and Chile – before edging Mexico 1-0 in Group C on Tuesday.

But they still present a tough challenge for Ricardo Batista’s Argentina, who are searching for their first major trophy in 13 years.

“We want to go slowly. We know, as we’ve been saying, that Uruguay will be a complicated opponent, and we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” said Messi, who quieted criticism of his own performances in the tournament with a masterclass against Costa Rica.

“We want to go match-by-match but, obviously, we dream of winning the Copa. We will continue to dream and it’s what we most want.”

“I believe that Argentina needs a title. It’s been a long time without one. We were very close on the last Copa America (in 2007, when they lost to Brazil) but we couldn’t quite get it, and it continues to be the dream of all of us.”

The winners will take on either Colombia or Peru for a place in the final.