Lionel Messi has just ONE tournament victory with Argentina since reversing his international retirement in 2016
- Argentina lost to Colombia and drew with Paraguay so far in Copa America
- They have won just one tournament game since Lionel Messi returned in 2016
- That was a win over Nigeria at 2018 World Cup from a total of six games
- Messi’s side must beat Qatar in final Copa America group game to progress
Argentina and Lionel Messi’s tournament woes have continued at this summer’s Copa America after failing to win their opening two matches.
An opening 2-0 defeat by Colombia was followed by Messi equalising with a last-minute penalty to rescue a draw against Paraguay.
That means La Albiceleste have just one win from six tournament games – against Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup – since Lionel Messi returned to the international side in 2016.
Lionel Messi has just one tournament win with Argentina since returning to the side in 2016
The Barcelona legend had initially decided to retire after a painful shoot-out defeat by Chile in the 2016 Copa America final.
However, he reversed his decision shortly after.
The pain continued though at the World Cup last summer, drawing with Iceland losing to Croatia before a late winner against Nigeria secured their progress to the second round.
There would be more tournament heartbreak for Messi as Argentina slipped to defeat against eventual champions Frace.
Messi struck in the one win – a 2-1 victory over Nigeria at the World Cup in Russia last summer
Argentina have also suffered a poor record in qualifying, their route to the World Cup marred by losses to Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Paraguay.
Since 2016, Argentina have a competitive record of eight victories, nine draws and seven defeats.
Argentina must beat Qatar in their final group game to qualify for the next round of the Copa America.