This archive report was first published on 30 June 2019.
As the Copa America semi-finals approach, Brazil's Thiago Silva has made it clear that his team will not take their eyes off Lionel Messi for a minute. The Argentina captain has not been at his best in the tournament, but Silva acknowledges that Messi is still the best player in the world.
Speaking ahead of the semi-final match, Silva said, "He is the best player in the world and he still could spring to life." Brazil and Argentina have a long history, with their last meeting dating back to the 2007 final, which Brazil won 3-0.
Despite Messi's struggles, Silva believes that his team will have to be especially focused on the Argentine captain, both when they have the ball and when they don't. Messi has scored only once in the tournament, from the penalty spot, and has acknowledged that he is not playing at his usual level.
"The truth is I'm not having my best Copa America, it's always very difficult for us because we want to do something different and attack and teams pack out the middle of the pitch," Messi said.
Argentina winger Angel di Maria has come to Messi's defense, saying that the Argentine captain is working hard for the team, even if he is not making it onto the scoresheet. "We are used to seeing him score goals but Leo is doing very well, he is running a lot, he is working hard," di Maria said.
Di Maria believes that Messi's hard work will pay off eventually, saying, "He knows more than anyone that at this Copa America the first thing you need to do is run, then you can think about the rest, playing well and scoring."
