Don't get cocky, Leo! Argentina and Inter Miami icon Messi fired warning by Brazil legend Roberto Carlos ahead of 2024 Copa America

The five-time world champions are going through a lean patch of form. After bowing out of the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals to Croatia, Tite was shown the door and was replaced by Ramon Menezes. However, the revolving chair continued to be in motion and Fernando Diniz was brought in as the new interim manager. But the change in personnel did not help in reviving their fortunes as they stand sixth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table having won just two of their first six matches. They are on a three-match losing streak, including a 1-0 defeat to Argentina in their latest outing in November, which has led many to suggest that Messi and Co could retain the title that they won in 2021.

However, Carlos is not ready to write off Brazil and has warned the Albiceleste to not make the mistake of taking them lightly in the 2024 Copa America.

Speaking to Mirror Sport he said: "Never underestimate the Brazilian national team, I speak from experience. We’ve got a new manager now and we just need to give him some time to work. We have great players and a good manager, I’m sure Copa America will be competitive and very exciting."

Brazil have been linked with Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti and there is a possibility that the Italian could be in the dugout during the Copa America. However, they might miss Neymar who is currently nursing an ACL injury and is not expected to be match-fit for the continental tournament.

In the absence of Neymar, Brazil will be looking forward to the likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Gabriel Jesus to step up their game. The former two are key figures in the Real Madrid dressing room, whereas, Jesus is gradually rediscovering his best form under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal after coming off a lengthy injury layoff. If the trio gets going and Ancelotti indeed accepts the offer from Brazil's football federation, then the Selecao could potentially hope to turn things around and recapture the Copa America title from their arch-rivals next summer.