Messi believes it is Argentina's time to shine

Jun 25, 2007 - 8:29 PM MARACAIBO, Venezuela -- Argentina forward Lionel Messi believes the Copa America provides the perfect platform for the national team to demonstrate what it can do after an inauspicious start under Alfio Basile.

The team has managed two wins, two draws and two defeats since Basile - who led Argentina to its last international title at the 1993 Copa - returned to the helm.

Argentina kicks off this year's campaign against the United States in Group C.

"It's time to start winning," Messi told Argentinian TV station TyC Sports. "We are calm, and we are confident in the squad we have.

"Brazil is the only national team who can be more powerful than us even without Ronaldinho and Kaka."

Messi is pleased to have midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron back in the fold for the tournament.

"It is good to have him (Veron) by my side in the team," he said. "He always gives you the ball back to your feet, you can play very well alongside him and is a very experienced player."