In an era when Argentina teams are usually made up entirely of European-based players, it is gratifying for fans to see them being inspired to Copa America victories by two players from the Argentine league, Juan Roman Riquelme and Juan Sebastian Veron.

It’s true that both have played in Europe and Veron in particular with distinction, winning the Serie A title when he was with Lazio.

It’s also the case that the real Riquelme, not his true self at the World Cup in Germany last year, tends to stand up when he’s in South America.

Together, though, they pull the strings in a team that are showing why they are favourites to win the Copa America in Venezuela and lift Argentina’s first major trophy since Alfio Basile last led them to the South American title in 1993.

The gem in Basile’s crown so far is the 1991 side that won the Copa America in Chile with a majority of home-based players and which was noted for the link play up front of the then little known Gabriel Batistuta and Claudio Caniggia.

Basile lost his way a bit in 1993, turning defensive, and was lucky to retain the title in Ecuador after penalty shootout wins against Brazil then Colombia in the knockout rounds before Batistuta put two past Mexico in the final in Guayaquil.

The coach is showing faith with his attacking instincts in Venezuela and keeps Carlos Tevez on the bench only because he can’t pick 12 for the team.

Perhaps now that Hernan Crespo, whose three goals in Venezuela have taken him past Diego Maradona’s tally of 34 and into second place behind Batigol, is injured, Basile can get the “skilful little men” as he calls Messi, Tevez and Pablo Aimar, together to feed off the passes of Riquelme and Veron.

Rex Gowar, London