Thomas Unsworth

and
Jack Bezants for MailOnline

Sergio Aguero has admitted trying to convince Lionel Messi to sign for Manchester City when the pair are on international duty with Argentina, but his commitment to Barcelona is so strong he has given up.

The duo are currently spearheading their national side’s attack in the Copa America in Chile and both were on the scoresheet as they drew 2-2 against Paraguay in their opening fixture, with Aguero then scoring the decisive goal in the 1-0 win over Uruguay on Tuesday.

‘Of course I have tried to convince Leo to sign for Manchester City, for us to get the best player in the world would have been incredible, but he is so committed to Barcelona,’ Aguero said. 

Sergio Aguero (right) has admitted trying to convince Lionel Messi to join him at Manchester City

Sergio Aguero (right) has admitted trying to convince Lionel Messi to join him at Manchester City

Aguero (centre) is congratulated by  Messi after scoring for Argentina against Uruguay on Tuesday

Aguero (centre) is congratulated by Messi after scoring for Argentina against Uruguay on Tuesday

Aguero's goal was decisive, handing Argentina a 1-0 victory against Uruguay at the Copa America

Aguero’s goal was decisive, handing Argentina a 1-0 victory against Uruguay at the Copa America

‘I have tried to convince him more than once, but I don’t even ask anymore, I know he will not leave.’

After a hard campaign in England which saw City usurped as Premier League champions by Chelsea, Aguero would be forgiven for feeling tired as he competes for international honours with the 2014 World Cup runners-up.

But the 27-year-old insists he is feeling fresh for the tournament in Chile. 

‘I am not concerned about fatigue at all,’ Aguero said. ‘Yes it is a long season with the Copa America, but it is always a dream to represent your country, especially when there is a chance to win silverware. 

‘You look at all the top four in England, they all have players representing nations in the Copa America, and it’s not just the top clubs in England. Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern, all those clubs are represented in Chile. 

‘We will get time off after the tournament and I will be ready to fight for Manchester City in all competitions next season.’

Aguero and Messi both scored as Argentina drew their first Copa America game 2-2 against Paraguay

Aguero and Messi both scored as Argentina drew their first Copa America game 2-2 against Paraguay

Aguero has admitted that defeat by Germany in the 2014 World Cup final drives Argentina to succeed

Aguero has admitted that defeat by Germany in the 2014 World Cup final drives Argentina to succeed

Striker Aguero insists the Premier League campaign with Manchester City has not left him tired for Argentina

Striker Aguero insists the Premier League campaign with Manchester City has not left him tired for Argentina

Aguero admitted that losing the World Cup final to Germany in Brazil last year provides the Argentina squad with extra motivation for the competition. 

Their last major international trophy was the Copa America in 1993. 

‘Nothing can make up for losing the final in Brazil. To lose a World Cup final is heartbreaking, but we do have a real chance to win a trophy here. For a nation with the quality of Argentina it has been too long without a trophy, and Chile is the perfect place to end that run.’ 

 


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