Alexis Sanchez has been hailed as the ‘Messi of Chile’ by his international teammate, Gary Medel.

With the Premier League season now over and only the FA Cup final standing between Alexis and international duty at the Copa America this summer, many are wondering just when the Arsenal man might get a break, especially with the new season set to start at the very beginning of August due to the Euro’s next year.

But Medel is hoping that Alexis can work his magic and help their country to claim the trophy which is being contested in their home nation.

Speaking a public TV channel in Chile, Medel said “The player who makes the difference in our team is Alexis, I consider the best in the history of Chile. He has to be our Messi.

“We have the conviction to do something big, but we must also take care of the rest of the teams.”

The Copa America gets underway on 11th June (12th June UK) with Chile facing Ecuador at 12.30am. It runs until 4th July and Alexis is likely to miss pre-season with Arsenal who will take part in the Barclay’s Asia Trophy between 15th and 18th July before returning home for the Emirates Cup.