Lionel Messi opens up on heartbreak over Copa America coronavirus postponement

Lionel Messi has revealed his disappointment at this summer's Copa America tournament being postponed owing to the coronavirus outbreak that has spread across the globe.

The 47th edition of the competition to find South America's best footballing nation was due to take place this summer, but has been put back 12 months after the spread of Covid-19 led to disruption to the sporting calendar.

Though the continental tournament has been delayed a year, the hosts remain the same with matches being played in both Colombia and Messi's Argentina.

It would have been a second chance for the Barcelona attacker to play in a 'home' tournament having also been a part of La Albiceleste's squad when they last hosted the tournament in 2011.

The 32-year-old will now have to wait a little while longer to enjoy such an honour again, which Messi reveals has led to a feeling of sadness.

But with countries around the world still feeling the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, the legendary forward admits postponing the competition was the right thing to do.

"Pushing back the Copa América was a huge disappointment, but of course it was to be expected and was the reasonable thing to do," he told Adidas' Mindfulness Matters series.

"The Copa was going to be a big occasion for me this year, and I was extremely excited to compete in it again.

"It hit me hard when I learned it would be postponed, but I completely understood."

Messi has also seen his participation at club level also affected by the outbreak with Barcelona have not played since mid-March with leagues across Europe suspended.

Games in Spain's La Liga are due to restart next month with a view to the season reaching a conclusion later in the summer as Barca bid for another title.

The Spanish giants have only just returned to their La Masia base after teams were given the green light to resume training, but Messi revealed the squad remained in contact with each other during the enforced break.

“Now more than ever, it’s important to stay in touch with the team," he added.

"Every now and then we all get together to talk and see each other. And I talk every day with many others.”

*The fourth episode of the Mindfulness Matters series with Lionel Messi is available to view online at adidas.com/blog from today.

Mindfulness Matters is the latest from the adidas’ #hometeam, setting out to keep athletes motivated and connected during difficult times. The five-part series follows each of Lionel Messi, McKenzie Coan, Yohan Blake, Alexander Zverev and Kendra Harrison, as they share the hurdles and hardships, they have faced on their own sporting journey.

The #hometeam is adidas’ collaboration-based response to keep hearts, minds and bodies healthy during tough times. For more information about adidas #hometeam, visit adidas.com/hometeam.