Messi: Argentina not advancing from group 'would be crazy'

It's win or bust for Argentina.

Lionel Messi is confident La Albiceleste will reach the last eight of the 2019 Copa America, but admitted pressure is high with the national team at the bottom of Group B with just one point.

Argentina needs to beat Qatar on Sunday to have a realistic chance of progressing in the tournament.

"We know we'll be playing for our lives," Messi said, according to ESPN. "It would be crazy if we can't advance from the group stage, when basically three (teams) advance from each group. I have no doubt we'll do it."

Despite a deserved 2-0 defeat to Colombia to open its campaign and Wednesday's underwhelming 1-1 draw with Paraguay, Argentina still has a good opportunity to advance. The top two teams in each of the three groups are ushered into the knockout rounds, along with the two best third-placed finishers.

Argentina is currently locked on a single point with Qatar, albeit with an inferior goal difference to the Asian Cup holders. Colombia is already through to the quarterfinals with six points from its first two matches, and Paraguay occupies the second spot after two draws.

"Frankly, it's a little frustrating not being able to get the win we need to take the next step," Messi said after Argentina shared the spoils with Paraguay. "We knew this would be difficult, we're still looking for the best group, for the best performance, to keep growing."

He added: "(The squad) is hurt by the situation because we can't manage to win a game, and we know today was key for us. We know we have to win the next game to advance."