Copa America 2011: Lionel Messi Likes Argentina's Chances

Lionel Messi is preparing to lead Argentina into the Copa America. Messi is the star on the runaway, the favorite team in the tournament, but he embraces the pressure.

Not only is Messi confident in his team's chances at this tournament, he's already guaranteeing a World Cup victory before his time with Argentina is over.

Argentina also gets the privilege of playing host to the tournament. As the favorites playing in front of their home country, all eyes are on Messi and co. 

Rather than be reclusive, Messi has embraced the atmosphere. He's making bold predictions about not only this tournament, but the World Cup as well.

The nearest World Cup is in 2014. It may seem ridiculous for Messi to bring even more attention to the team by making guarantees about a tournament that is three years away, but it could prove to be a brilliant strategy.

He's bringing a lot of heat upon himself, but it's alleviating some of the pressure on the team. By him taking charge and telling the media he relishes the pressure, the rest of the team is likely to follow suit.

Then again, it could completely backfire. Nobody wants to play Argentina, but the teams they are going to see the best versions of the teams they face.

Argentina has a huge target on their back going into this tournament. Every team is going to be gearing up to contain Messi. Hopefully for Argentina, his big comments are backed up by the stellar play he is capable of.

Argentina hasn't shown their country a championship on their home turf since 1959. Winning this tournament would give them the sort of morale boost they need to excel in international play for years to come.

Perhaps, the momentum would even be able to carry over to the 2014 World Cup.