Argentina star Lionel Messi believes that this year's Copa America will be one of the closest contests yet.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner is preparing for the tournament in Chile, where the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Luis Suarez and Neymar will turn out for their respective nations.

Messi believes that Argentina are strong contenders for victory, but the Barcelona star is wary of Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and hosts Chile.

"I believe the Copa America is very balanced," the Daily Mail quotes Messi as saying. "All the national teams are growing - they all have their weapons, there are a lot of top individual players. It will be a very nice tournament.

"Argentina are a candidate because of the way the players are arriving at the tournament on an individual level, but that must be shown out on the pitch. It will not be easy. There are great players able to lift this Copa."

Messi heads into the tournament off the back of winning the Copa del Rey, La Liga title and the Champions League with Barcelona.