Calcutta: Luciano Figueroa isn't a household name. But a look at his profile only suggests how badly Argentina missed him, especially at the 2006 World Cup, which he missed due to a knee injury.

No doubt fans are unlucky in not being able to witness the Argentine, who has also represented Villareal and River Plate, display his skills, as the East Bengal-Johor Darul Ta'zim AFC Cup tie on Tuesday would be played before empty stands.

For a city that has a soft corner for Argentina, Luciano would certainly have left winning many hearts.

During his brief interaction before Johor Darul got down to their match-eve practice session, here, at the Salt Lake Sadium, Luciano spoke about Argentina's chances at the upcoming Copa America, their losing the World Cup final last year to Germany and of course, Lionel Messi. But it's winning the 2004 Olympics gold medal that he will never forget.

"The knee injury had ruled me out of the World Cup in 2006. That really made me very sad. I was very eager to do something special for my country.

"Nonetheless, I was able to be a part of the team that clinched an Olympic gold... That was truly unforgettable," said the striker, who has nine goals in 15 matches, playing alongside Juan Pablo Sorin, Carlos Tevez and Juan Roman Riquelme.

Moving on to Argentina's chances at the Copa America that begins from June 11 in Chile, Luciano believes Lionel Messi and Co. can go all the way and lift the trophy. "I do believe they can win it. They have been doing pretty well. And Messi is divine."

"Of course, coming so close but still not winning the World Cup was heartbreaking, but overall, Messi and the rest did a fine job. Now they have good coach in Gerardo Martino to help them out," he said.

Talking about the Salt Lake Stadium's artificial turf, the 33-year-old said: "It might not be easy on this sort of a surface, but you got to adjust being professionals. Even Messi and Co. have played at this venue..."