(AP) " Lionel Messi will play " and possibly start " in Argentina's Copa America quarterfinal match against Venezuela. Venezuela finished fourth in the last Copa America, but La Vinotinto are big underdogs against the powerhouse Argentina. Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said Messi "is definitely in good shape to play from the beginning, so it's quite possible that he will be a starter." Since winning the Copa America in 1993, they have finished second in the tournament three times and also lost in the 2014 World Cup final. Dudamel said having the opportunity to play against Messi is a challenge, but it's also something to motivate his players.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 17, 2016 22:41 UTC