Gerardo Martino: 'Lionel Messi in unbeatable shape'

Argentina manager Gerardo Martino has claimed that Lionel Messi is in "unbeatable shape" ahead of this year's Copa America.

La Albiceleste will get their tournament underway this evening with a clash against Paraguay, as they bid to end their 22-year-wait for a victory.

They will be led by Messi, who scored 58 goals to help Barcelona to win the treble last season, and Martino believes that his form will prove key to his country's chances of success.

"He comes here fresh from securing those three titles," Martino is quoted as saying by FourFourTwo. "He was in superlative form throughout the season. He is in unbeatable shape.

"Last year he arrived at the World Cup without winning any titles and this year he heads into the Copa America having won three and he has been key in those, playing above his usual level."

Messi has scored 45 goals in his previous 97 games for Argentina.