SALVADOR, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Football will be the winner irrespective of the result when Argentina and Colombia meet in their opening Copa America group match on Saturday, according to Cafeteros head coach Carlos Queiroz.
"We have a lot ahead of us in this competition. This first match is not life or death, but we'll have to be at our best [to win]," Queiroz told a news conference here on Friday.
When asked about the challenge of trying to subdue five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, Queiroz said: "Argentina are a great team and he [Messi] is a great player. We admire them a lot but we also have a very good side and that's why football will be the winner."
The Group B clash at Salvador's Arena Fonte Nova will be Queiroz's first time in charge of Colombia in a competitive fixture.
The 66-year-old Portuguese has led the Cafeteros to three wins and a loss in four friendlies since assuming the managerial role in February.
"It is an honor for me to be with this team in this competition. South American football has such a high level of technical quality and talent," Queiroz said.
Colombia's other Copa America group matches will be against Qatar in Sao Paulo on June 19 and Paraguay in Salvador four days later.
