"If you compare this Copa America with these 16 nations, compared to the 24 going into the Euros, then I almost think you have more quality in this Copa America than you have in this diluted, 24-team version of the European Championship,” said Klinsmann, who was in the German side which won the World Cup in 1990 and the European Championships six years later.

Klinsmann, whose side defeated Ecuador 1-0 in a pre-tournament friendly on Thursday, says the hosts’ ambition in a competition which runs until June 26 is to reach the semi-finals.

“The goal, then, is really to get to the final four," he said.

"We want to get to the final four.”

The former Tottenham Hotspur forward added that this year’s Copa America Centenario, which marks the centenary of the first staging of the world’s oldest continental football tournament in Argentina in 1916, is a “very unique competition” in regards to its size, scope and historic nature.

“It’s the biggest tournament since the 1994 World Cup in the United States, and I think as a player you want to jump on that one,” Klinsmann said.

“You want to make an impression.

"You want to make it your tournament.”

Meanwhile Messi, released by Barcelona to play in this tournament, although not for the Rio 2016 Olympics, has spoken to Sports Illustrated about the importance his country has invested in an extraordinary event being held outside South America for the first time.

“This one matters for Argentina,” Messi said.

“We have nearly won our last two tournaments, reaching the finals of the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 Copa America, but we came up just short both times.

“You may be surprised to hear this, but Argentina has not raised a major senior trophy of any kind since 1993, and I think it's important that we end the streak.

“Not that it will be easy, of course.

"Eight teams in this Copa America Centenario reached the round of 16 at the last World Cup - twice as many as you'll see at Euro 2016 this summer.

“Of course, outside of my family nothing would make me happier than to win my first World Cup with Argentina in 2018.

“The Copa America this summer is an important step along the way, a chance to show that we can raise a senior trophy for the first time in 23 years.”

Among the individuals who may help to make Klinsmann’s point in the next month are Brazil’s Willian and Kaka - the latter a late addition to the squad.

Holders Chile boast a squad which includes Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, while Colombia have the flair and scoring power of James Rodriguez to call upon.

And while record winners Uruguay will be lacking the predatory talents of Luis Suarez, who has injured a hamstring, they are still expected to mount a formidable challenge.

The full Big Read on the Copa America Centenario is here.