01 July,2011 08:41 AM IST | | Agencies
Argentina coach Sergio Batista has voiced his belief that star attacker Lionel Messi will soon get the recognition he craves in his homeland.
The Barcelona ace has struggled to replicate his club form for Argentina's national side and some doubt whether Messi has what it takes to guide the nation to a major trophy for the first time since the 1993 Copa America.
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"He doesn't get the respect he deserves in Argentina in my opinion, but he is ready to win the fans over at the Copa America," Batista said to Radio La Red de Buenos Aires.
Batista then revealed that he's confident that Messi will have a great tournament: "We are very happy that we have the best player in the world at our availability.
"He can decide a game all by himself with one moment of brilliance. I am sure that he will put in some superb performances." Argentina kick off the Copa America against Bolivia today.
