All eyes are on Argentina as they begin their quest to defend their Copa America title. The 2024 tournament kicks off with a bang, pitting Lionel Messi and his squad against a determined Canada. This highly anticipated match marks the start of Group A play, with 16 teams vying for the glorious Copa America trophy.
Argentina enters the competition not only as the reigning Copa America champions, but also fresh off their World Cup victory. Ranked number one in the world, they boast an impressive winning streak and a squad overflowing with talent. But all eyes will be on one man in particular: Lionel Messi.
At 36, Messi shows no signs of slowing down. His dazzling performances with Inter Miami this season, where he netted 13 goals in just 18 league games, continue to solidify his status as a global football icon. With 108 goals in 182 appearances for Argentina, he stands as a symbol of the team’s enduring prowess. The question on everyone’s mind: can Messi lead Argentina to Copa America glory in what many believe will be his last dance on the international stage? Can Argentina actually win the Copa America again?
Argentina Team Preview
Argentina enters the 2024 Copa America as the reigning champions, looking to add another trophy to their overflowing cabinet. While Lionel Messi remains the star attraction, several storylines run deeper for the Argentinian squad.
While Messi continues to defy age, Argentina bids farewell to another crucial veteran – Ángel Di María. The 36-year-old winger, known for his selfless work ethic and clutch performances, is set to retire from international football after this tournament. Di María’s ability to seamlessly integrate with Messi, often creating scoring opportunities for his captain, has been a cornerstone of Argentina’s recent success. His absence will leave a significant void, highlighting the need for a capable replacement.
Argentina seems to have found a potential successor in 19-year-old Valentin Carboni. The left-footed youngster has impressed the coaching staff with his versatility and elegant style of play. While Alejandro Garnacho has more raw pace, Carboni’s ability to fill multiple attacking roles makes him a valuable asset, especially considering his potential to inherit Di Maria’s mantle.
Argentina finds itself in a relatively easy group, suggesting a smooth path to the knockout stages. However, concerns linger about the team’s recent form. Compared to the high-pressure environment of World Cup qualifiers, their friendly matches haven’t offered a true test. The bigger question remains: how long can Argentina rely on the “Messi plus 10” model? Coach Scaloni’s near-resignation last year hints at anxieties about the post-Messi era
Despite these concerns, Argentina enters the Copa America as favorites. Their possession-based style, punctuated by Messi’s magic, is a joy to watch when clicking. The tournament also presents a valuable opportunity to solidify their back four with Lisandro Martinez at the center, a weakness exposed in the recent World Cup.
The pressure on Argentina might be a double-edged sword. Do their champion statuses translate to a relaxed approach, or will the fear of losing hinder their performance? This is an answer only time will tell.
Argentina XI (4-3-3): E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Acuna; Mac Allister, De Paul, Fernandez; Messi, Alvarez, Di Maria.
Argentina Copa America Fixtures and Predictions
Argentina has kicked off their Copa America campaign with a confident 2-0 victory against Canada, with Lionel Messi contributing an assist. This strong start puts them in a great position to progress comfortably through the group stage.
Here’s a look at their remaining Group A fixtures:
- June 26th: Argentina vs Chile: Their next challenge comes against Chile at MetLife Stadium. While Chile previously enjoyed success against Argentina in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America tournaments, their current squad isn’t expected to be as much of a threat. Argentina’s strong starting lineup should see them claim another victory here.
- June 30th: Argentina vs Peru: Their final group stage match is against Peru. An upset seems unlikely, and Argentina is expected to finish the group stage at the top of the table.
- Quarterfinals (Predicting Ecuador to be 2nd in their group): Argentina is heavily favored to overcome Ecuador in the quarterfinals. Their recent encounters paint a clear picture: two convincing 1-0 victories for Argentina, with minimal offensive threat from Ecuador.
- Semi Finals (Predicting Mexico win their quarter finals): The path gets trickier in the semifinals. While Argentina remains the favorite against Mexico, the statistics highlight the inherent randomness of knockout football. Despite a significant advantage, Argentina’s odds still suggest a near coin-toss scenario. This emphasizes the importance of Messi’s individual brilliance and the potential impact of a single moment on the outcome.
- Finals (Predicting Brazil to win all their KO matches): The final could be a highly anticipated rematch against Brazil. Both teams have a history in this tournament, with Argentina claiming the 2021 title and Brazil winning in 2019. Brazil has the most talented squad, but their recent form (three consecutive competitive losses) and lack of competitive matches under their new manager raise questions. Additionally, their path to the final likely involves facing strong teams like Uruguay, Colombia, or the USA. Argentina, on the other hand, remains a known entity. Their defensive strength, combined with Messi’s individual brilliance, has proven effective. The upcoming final being played in Miami, essentially Messi’s home turf, adds another layer of intrigue.
Can Argentina Win the Copa America?
Lionel Messi’s Argentina has entered the Copa America with a clear mission: to claim back-to-back titles and solidify their dominance in international football. Looking at the bigger picture, it’s hard to argue against their chances.
With only two losses in the past two years and unmatched team chemistry, Argentina appears unstoppable on paper. Brazil, their biggest competition, seems vulnerable in midfield. Argentina’s defensive solidity and Messi’s undeniable talent form a potent combination, further boosted by the Miami final practically being a home game for their captain.
While the unpredictable nature of knockout football can never be ignored, Argentina’s statistical dominance and overall form suggest a Copa America trophy within their grasp. If they perform to their potential, Messi and his team could very well be etching their names into Copa America history as back-to-back champions.