AFP, Santiago :
Brazilian legend Pele is looking forward to a star-studded Copa America tournament this summer — but has challenged Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Neymar to reproduce their best club form at international level.
The three-time World Cup winner said the June 11-July 4 tournament in Chile promised to be a “Copa of Stars” with Messi and Neymar being joined by the likes of in-form Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.
“These days the individual players are better known than the teams,” Pele said during a visit to a homeless encampment. “It’s going to be a ‘Copa of Stars’, no doubt.”
However Pele questioned whether Argentina captain Messi and Brazilian talisman Neymar would be able to hit the heights of their best club form.
Despite leading Argentina to the World Cup final last year, Messi is often accused of failing to sparkle in the famous jersey of the ‘Albiceleste’. Pele also questioned whether the 27-year-old would be on top form in Chile.
“When he’s in Spain, with Barcelona, with a team he already knows and knows well, he’s a player,” Pele said.
“But Messi when he’s with the Argentinian team is not the same thing,” the 74-year-old icon said.
“It’s a different way of playing — the Argentinian team is not organised the same way. The same thing happens with Neymar and Brazil.”
Pele meanwhile shied away from picking a winner for the tournament, saying only that Argentina and hosts Chile would start among the favorites.
“Today football is very even — you can’t say who will win,” he said. “With computers and television, everyone knows everything about their opponents. It’s hard to say who will reach the final.”
Pele was speaking on the sidelines of a visit to a homeless encampment south of Santiago set up by a charity to help 30 families living in extreme poverty.
Brazilian legend Pele is looking forward to a star-studded Copa America tournament this summer — but has challenged Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Neymar to reproduce their best club form at international level.
The three-time World Cup winner said the June 11-July 4 tournament in Chile promised to be a “Copa of Stars” with Messi and Neymar being joined by the likes of in-form Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez.
“These days the individual players are better known than the teams,” Pele said during a visit to a homeless encampment. “It’s going to be a ‘Copa of Stars’, no doubt.”
However Pele questioned whether Argentina captain Messi and Brazilian talisman Neymar would be able to hit the heights of their best club form.
Despite leading Argentina to the World Cup final last year, Messi is often accused of failing to sparkle in the famous jersey of the ‘Albiceleste’. Pele also questioned whether the 27-year-old would be on top form in Chile.
“When he’s in Spain, with Barcelona, with a team he already knows and knows well, he’s a player,” Pele said.
“But Messi when he’s with the Argentinian team is not the same thing,” the 74-year-old icon said.
“It’s a different way of playing — the Argentinian team is not organised the same way. The same thing happens with Neymar and Brazil.”
Pele meanwhile shied away from picking a winner for the tournament, saying only that Argentina and hosts Chile would start among the favorites.
“Today football is very even — you can’t say who will win,” he said. “With computers and television, everyone knows everything about their opponents. It’s hard to say who will reach the final.”
Pele was speaking on the sidelines of a visit to a homeless encampment south of Santiago set up by a charity to help 30 families living in extreme poverty.
