Copa America: A Battle of Grit and Experience
Copa America is one of the most demanding cup competitions on the planet, both physically and psychologically. It starts with psychological warfare in press conferences and extends well into the pitch, with contestants doing everything in their power to unsettle opponents. Additionally, there is the weight of expectations, with every fan asking their nation’s heroes to deliver the goods at the grandest continental stage.
Younger players tend to cherish these competitions, as they have much more left to prove. Many older players, meanwhile, take a backseat, retiring from international duty and channeling their energy toward club soccer. Thankfully for us fans, there are exceptions — veterans who are still up for a fight even in the twilight years of their careers. Here are five such warriors who have turned up for their nations in Copa America 2024:
#5 Lionel Messi (Argentina): 37 years 01 days
Lionel Messi, easily the star attraction of Copa America 2024, was 37 years and 01 days old when he took to the field in the 1-0 win over Chile on June 25. The Inter Miami star played a fine game, completing the most dribbles (7), creating the most chances (5), and hitting the woodwork once. Unfortunately, Messi was not fit to feature in Argentina’s final Group A game against Peru on June 29. But La Albiceleste managed to keep up the good work, bagging a thumping 2-0 win courtesy of a brace from Lautaro Martinez.
Messi’s heroics for Argentina do not need rehashing. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has guided his nation to the Copa America as well as the FIFA World Cup, finishing as the Player of the Tournament on both occasions. He has donned the national jersey in 184 matches, scoring 108 times and providing 58 assists. The maverick has yet to score in Copa America 2024, but we expect it to change when Argentina lock horns with Ecuador in the quarter-finals on Thursday night (July 4).
#4 Alexander Dominguez (Ecuador): 37 years 25 days
Ecuador’s first-choice goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez was 37 years and 25 days old when he took to the field in the goalless draw with Mexico on June 30. Despite being in his twilight years, he has been in stellar form in Copa America 2024, making nine saves, delivering 13 accurate long balls, keeping one clean sheet, and conceding three goals in three games. Had it not been for his reflexes and leadership, Ecuador would not have qualified for the quarter-finals of this highly competitive Copa America 2024.
Dominguez, who made his debut for Ecuador on March 26, 2011, has played 77 international matches, keeping 31 clean sheets and conceding 76 goals.
#3 Luis Suarez (Uruguay): 37 years 05 months 07 days
One of Lionel Messi’s closest friends and a leader of Argentine’s fiercest rivals in Copa America, Uruguay star Luis Suarez was 37 years, 05 months, and 07 days when he took to the field for the Group C clash against the United States on July 1. The Inter Miami ace, who has lost his place to in-form striker Darwin Nunez, came off the bench in the 89th minute for a brief cameo.
Suarez has played 140 games for Uruguay in his illustrious career, scoring 68 times. He guided his country to the Copa America in 2011, chipping in with four goals and two assists in six matches.
#2 Paolo Guerrero (Peru): 40 years 05 months 28 days
In Peru’s final Group A game, they took on the mighty Argentina. They could not put up much of a fight, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat. But it was a milestone game for center-forward Paulo Guerrero, who became the oldest outfield player to play in Copa America 2024.
Guerrero has played 123 games for Peru in his career, scoring 40 goals and providing 14 assists.
#1 Claudio Bravo (Chile): 41 years 02 months 12 days
Comfortably the oldest player to play in Copa America 2024, Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was 41 years, 02 months, and 12 days old when he represented his country in their Group A meeting with Argentina on June 25. The former Manchester City goalkeeper performed splendidly in the match, making a total of eight saves.
Bravo, who has played 150 games for Chile, has kept 58 clean sheets, winning the Copa America twice.
