With the 2024 Copa América in full swing, Lucas Paquetá is determined to go one step further with Brazil following their final heartbreak three years ago.
The nine-time champions narrowly missed out on successive titles after defeat by Argentina in the 2021 showpiece, with West Ham United’s No10 featuring for 76 minutes of that clash and making a total of six appearances during the last edition of the tournament.
Having tasted success in the competition as a 21-year-old in 2019, and now ready to kick off his third Copa América against Costa Rica in the early hours of Tuesday morning (25 June, 2am BST), Paquetá wants to get the job done this summer.
“It's a unique feeling, and a real privilege to represent Brazil at another Copa América,” he said.
“There’s no better feeling than winning a cup for your country. The national team is going through a transition phase with new players and a new footballing philosophy, so I just hope we can settle in quickly, hit the ground running, and bring the Copa América home once again.
“It's a massive responsibility to play at a Copa América for Brazil. Having won one and come second in another, we, as well as the fans, are dreaming of winning the title again - we will do our best to make sure we become the champions.”
After their Group D opener against Costa Rica in Inglewood, California, Paquetá’s team will then face Paraguay on Saturday 29 June (2am BST), before taking on Colombia in Santa Clara on Wednesday 3 July (2am BST) in what promises to be a mouth-watering match-up.
Progressing to the knockouts will surely be the minimum expectation for a nation with an abundance of quality, and Paquetá, who won the last of his 46 caps in a 1-1 friendly draw with tournament hosts the USA on 13 June, is hopeful of adding to his personal trophy cabinet that features a UEFA Europa Conference League winner’s medal.
The task won’t be easy, though, and while the Brazil squad boasts the likes of Real Madrid pair Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, and Barcelona’s Raphinha, Paquetá is aware of the calibre of sides who have headed to the States with a similar belief.
“I think you'll find that people who play week in and week out against South American opposition know that there's no such thing as an easy game,” Paquetá said.
“Despite Brazil being among the favourites, we must keep that idea away from our minds and prove it on the pitch.
“I believe every game will bring its challenges, but I hope the fact we're one of the big favourites will prevail by playing a good style of football and most importantly, winning.”
International football of course brings challenges, with the squad having less time to gel and work together than they do with their Club teams.
Brazil, though, have a strong core group, and with plenty of emerging youngsters pushing for game time, another golden generation of talent is set to take centre stage this summer.
“It’s been great to see everyone again,” Paquetá added. “As well as being my teammates, we've built very strong friendships.
“I messaged Viní [Júnior] around the Champions League final. We all speak often, we text each other, and it’s been great to be reunited over the last few weeks. Hopefully we can translate that camaraderie to the pitch and help the national team achieve its goals.
“I’m confident that Brazil can be competitive this summer and hopefully lift the trophy once again.”
