The Favorites: Can Lionel Messi Lead Argentina to Copa America Glory?
The Copa America is set to begin in less than a week, with teams making final preparations for the tournament in the United States. Argentina has been dubbed the favorites, and for good reason. La Albiceleste have won the last three tournaments they have competed in, including becoming World Cup champions in Qatar in 2022.
In 2021, Argentina also picked up the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions with a victory over Italy, and won the last edition of the Copa America by defeating Brazil in the final. With Lionel Scaloni’s team on a roll, can they be stopped?
Previous Success
Argentina were winners of the 2020 Copa America, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lionel Messi lifted his first major trophy with the national team, giving the squad confidence that has continued to drive their success.
Argentina topped their group by winning three matches and drawing one. They progressed through the knockout stages, culminating in a final victory over Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium.
Argentina Squad
On May 20, Scaloni named a 29-man squad for Argentina’s pre-tournament friendlies and provisional Copa America squad. The final squad of 26 players is expected to be announced after the Guatemala match.
Goalkeepers
- Franco Armani (River Plate)
- Geronimo Rulli (Ajax)
- Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Defenders
- Gonzalo Montiel (Nottingham Forest)
- Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid)
- And more…
Midfielders
- Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis)
- Leandro Paredes (Roma)
- And more…
Forwards
- Angel Di Maria (Benfica)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- And more…
Notable absences include Thiago Almada and Paulo Dybala.
Expected Starting 11
Argentina is likely to line up in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, with Messi being a key player despite his age. The team’s campaign kicks off against Canada on June 20 in Atlanta.
Key Player: Lionel Messi
It’s no surprise that Messi is Argentina’s key player this summer. Despite turning 37 during the tournament, he remains one of the best in the world. Messi has been instrumental in Argentina’s recent successes and will be crucial in their Copa America campaign.
In the MLS this season, Messi has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists for Inter Miami. His form for Argentina has also been impressive, contributing to victories in the World Cup and Copa America.
Predicted Finish
With Messi leading the way, Argentina are expected to defend their Copa America title. The team has a strong route to the final and the motivation to win back-to-back crowns.
