Copa América 2024: Potential Farewell Tour for Lionel Messi with Argentina?
Much like the 2016 edition, the year 2024 will witness the United States hosting a larger scale World Cup edition, featuring 16 teams instead of the usual 12. This event is essentially a warm-up for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
The team lineup includes the typical 10 CONMEBOL nations, along with the US, Mexico, Jamaica, and Panama, all of whom qualified as semifinalists from the CONCACAF Nations League. Furthermore, Costa Rica and Canada made it through via the playoffs that were contested between losing Nations League quarterfinalists.
Running from June 20 to July 14, this tournament is heating up already, with Argentina favored to seize the trophy for a remarkable 16th time.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi aided his team, the Albiceleste, to triumph at the Covid-delayed 2021 Copa América, vanquishing host Brazil in the final. This victory was Messi's first major trophy with the national team and Argentina's first in 28 years. This triumph significantly alleviated the pressure on Messi, potentially serving as a catalyst for Argentina's World Cup victory in Qatar 18 months later, finally allowing Messi to claim the one trophy he had longed for the most.
Messi, previously plagued by his failures with Argentina, even considering a temporary retirement following a consecutive Copa América final loss to Chile in 2016, recently stated to Argentine outlet Infobae that he feels he has achieved everything. There is a strong possibility that the 2024 Copa América will be Messi's last major international tournament.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who has led the team to victory in 96% of their last 50 games, offers a message to Messi fans: enjoy the moment rather than being concerned about the future.
Among those to make their last tournament appearance for Argentina is the legendary Ángel Di María. The 36-year-old, a national hero due to his game-winning goal in the 2021 Copa América final and a goal in the 2022 World Cup final, has amassed 140 appearances for Argentina throughout his career.
The contenders
Brazil
Once celebrated as arguably the greatest football nation on earth, Brazil is currently undergoing a challenging transition period.
The majority of the squad drafted for the 2024 Copa América consists of inexperienced players, with 15 of them earning less than 10 caps for the national team. Only one player, West Ham's Lucas Paquetá, has reached double-digit goals for Brazil, making the omission of Casemiro and Richarlison all the more perplexing.
The Seleção is still grappling with the absence of star player Neymar Jr., who suffered an ACL injury while representing the national team in October. Neymar's unparalleled ability to alter a game in an instant, along with his leadership and iconic status in an inexperienced dressing room, will be sorely missed.
Recent setbacks in World Cup qualifiers have left Brazil reeling, with three consecutive losses, the first time this has ever occurred in Brazilian history. The team's most recent defeat, a 1-0 loss to Argentina at the Maracanã, was also a historic first - the first time Brazil had ever lost a home World Cup qualifier.
Interim coach Fernando Diniz was terminated midway through his one-year contract in January, replaced by journeyman manager Dorival Júnior, who has thus far overseen narrow victories against England and Mexico and draws against the USA and Spain.
Despite the team's recent struggles, the pressure and high expectations remain back home, particularly surrounding Vinícius Jr., who leads the attack. The Real Madrid forward has had an extraordinary season, helping the team secure both the La Liga and Champions League titles and making himself a favorite for the Ballon d'Or.
Uruguay
Anticipation runs high surrounding perennial overachiever Uruguay, which remains among the favorites to win the 2024 Copa América.
The small nation of just 3.5 million people shares the joint record for most Copa América titles won with Argentina, having claimed 15 victories.
With Marcelo Bielsa, who assumed control in May 2023, leading the way, a vibrant Uruguay team has made a strong debut in the World Cup qualifying, winning four out of six matches thus far - including victories over Brazil and Argentina - and sitting second in the rankings. Bielsa, known for his high-intensity pressing style, has brought in many young and untested players to establish his approach, while experienced stars like Luis Suarez, Jose Gimenez, Jose Araujo, and Federico Valverde will provide support.
Coming off the heels of winning the third consecutive Nations League title, the USA takes the field for the Copa America after a rocky start, having suffered a 5-1 loss to Colombia in Washington. With the team needing a significant comeback, according to goalkeeper Matt Turner, they delivered an improved performance in a 1-1 draw against Brazil, raising morale. Despite the talented roster - including Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Folarin Balogun - concerns remain about the team's consistency against opponents outside of the CONCACAF region.
The USA draws a favorable group, facing a struggling Bolivia side in the first match, followed by a match against fellow CONCACAF opponent Panama. The most challenging match will come against Uruguay, but the team should have enough quality to advance to the knockout stages. A disappointing showing could spell trouble for the team as they strive to generate nationwide support heading toward a home World Cup.
Dark Horses
Chile
Previously, Chile fans may have found it hard to envision their team advancing past the group stage. The failure to qualify for consecutive World Cups in 2018 and 2022 has left a bitter taste, following the country's 'Golden Generation' that won back-to-back Copa Americas in 2015 and 2016 and made it to the 2017 Confederations Cup final. Since Juan Antonio Pizzi's dismissal after missing the 2018 World Cup, three consecutive managers failed to inspire the team – until Ricardo Gareca took over in January.
Gareca, who led Peru to the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 Copa America final, has already made a noticeable impact on the team. He has led La Roja to three impressive wins against Paraguay, Albania, and an impressive performance in a 3-2 loss to France in Marseille. Some familiar faces like Alexis Sanchez and Claudio Bravo remain in the squad, but Arturo Vidal and Gary Medel are absent. Fans are once again excited to watch La Roja compete after several disappointing seasons.
Colombia
Heading into the USA for the Copa America, Colombia is currently experiencing an impressive undefeated run of 23 games, which includes eight consecutive victories. They have also secured three wins and three draws in the World Cup qualifying, climbing to third place in the rankings and moving past the disappointment of missing out on Qatar 2022. Liverpool's Luis Diaz will be the main player to watch for Colombia, supported by veterans such as James Rodriguez, David Ospina, and Yerry Mina. The biggest obstacle for Colombia is the brutal potential route to the final, which likely involves matches against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.
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Argentina is considered the favorite to win the 2024 Copa América, aiming for their 16th title. This tournament could potentially be Lionel Messi's last major international event, as he has stated he feels he has achieved everything with the national team.
During the 2024 Copa América, fans are encouraged to enjoy the moment with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, especially considering that Ángel Di María, a national hero who scored the game-winning goal in the 2021 Copa América final, will be retiring after this tournament.
