The Copa América, South America's continental competition, began in the United States for the second time after hosting it in 2016. There are many stories, from World Cup champions Lionel Messi and Argentina defending their title, to the USMNT using this as a warm-up. for the 2026 World Cup, which it will co-host, and Brazil are looking to rediscover their form.
As we prepare for the next few weeks of action-packed America, let's delve into some of the things we can expect, including the rivalries, stars and key players and why this particular edition comes with multiple talking points.
Will this be Messi's last dance?
On Monday Messi will turn 37 years old. It's no secret that this is the final chapter of his illustrious career. In an interview with ESPN, the Argentine talisman said that Inter Miami will be the last club he plays for. The Copa América is the opportunity to win a third consecutive major title with Argentina and create more memories with the national team after winning the 2021 Cup and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
But will it also be his curtain call on the international stage at a major tournament? Who knows.
In fact, Messi himself is insecure about the future, which includes his participation in the next World Cup. “It depends on how I feel, how I am physically and being realistic with myself,” he said in an interview with Infobae. “And to know if I am up to the task of being able to compete and help the teammates next to me.”
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Who are the dark horses of the Copa América 2024?
Sebastián Salazar and Hérculez Gómez make their choices for the dark horses in the Copa América 2024.
Speaking about defending the Cup title, Messi said: “It's going to get more and more difficult for us, nothing is going to be easy for us,” Messi said last week. “But let's try again.”
He is right. It will not be easy, because the obstacles no longer come only from Brazil. This was demonstrated in their opening 2-0 victory against a tough Canadian team. And as the World Cup qualifiers have shown, the CONMEBOL hierarchy is changing.
Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay is energetic, resilient and fully embodies the embodiment of Charrúa Claw, the tenacious and warrior spirit of the country. And what about Colombia? After missing the World Cup in Qatar, there has been a transformation with The Coffee Growers. This is a skilled, brave and adventurous Colombian team mixed with experience and youth, but thanks to head coach Néstor Lorenzo, they are now extremely organized and disciplined. They will be a force to be reckoned with.
That said, Messi and Co. are favorites and in terms of team selection, coach Lionel Scaloni hasn't changed a thing – 21 of 26 players were in Qatar in 2022. But new additions, including Manchester United teenager Alejandro. Garnacho and Valentín Carboni from Inter (on loan at Monza), show that Scaloni is prepared to think about the future.
Who can give a surprise?
Argentina may be the clear favorite, but there are many teams that can surprise. Their group includes Canada, Peru and Chile, two nations that have a rivalry deeply rooted in political and cultural turmoil and on the field it all comes to light. Called the Pacific Classic, it is usually played with tremendous aggressiveness. Friday's particular matchup will be even more intriguing as Chile's new coach is Ricardo Gareca, the former Peru coach who led the team to the World Cup in 2018 for the first time in 36 years. Now, someone who was adored by all Peruvians, manages his staunchest rivals.
Group D (Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay and Costa Rica) is intriguing. As mentioned above, Vinicius Jr and Brazil know that there is a lot to do if the World Cup qualifiers are anything to go by.
New coach Dorival Júnior arrived in January, but there are doubts whether this Brazilian team can regain its dominance in South America. The Seleçao will have a difficult time from the first moment because winning the group could be an obstacle. And here I return to Colombia, which has not lost a game since coach Néstor Lorenzo returned to the national team.
In fact, The Coffee Growers He hasn't lost in 23 games. Lorenzo was José Pekerman's assistant between 2014 and 2018, when Colombia also obtained a third place in the Centenario. But now Lorenzo is the man in charge and this team is the real deal. They've already beaten Brazil in World Cup qualifying (their first win against them in a qualifying campaign), as well as in friendlies against Germany and Spain. Most recently, they embarrassed the United States 5-1 and this is no exaggeration: they have all the tools to finally win a Copa América title for the first time since 2001, which is their only one to date.
James Rodríguez, at 32 years old, continues to be influential for his creativity. But this side is much more than that. From Liverpool's Luis Díaz to Fluminense's Jhon Arias, Colombia has style, poise and defensive strength. The match against Brazil in Santa Clara on July 2, the last of the group, should be a very tasty and electric match.
Speaking of electricity, how about Uruguay? With Marcelo Bielsa, the light blue They are a force of nature. They are second in the playoffs, having scored 13 goals (more than anyone else) and four wins, which include 2-0 wins against Argentina and Brazil.
Uruguay has plenty of talent, like Flamengo's Nico de la Cruz. With Bielsa, he is an important part when they advance. Luis Suárez from Inter Miami also returns, ready to play in his fifth Copa América. Additionally, Liverpool's Darwin Núñez has been wonderful under Bielsa, most recently scoring a hat-trick in a 4-0 friendly win over Mexico, a match in which they didn't even break a sweat.
Uruguay doesn't care about possession or how they build the game. They are not pretentious about their game plan. It is about physical and mental control and so far, they are complying with it. Their group's opponents, which includes the USMNT, should be very worried.
The entertainment doesn't end there, as teams like Ecuador, Paraguay and Chile will be interesting to watch due to their transition situation. Bolivia and Peru also hope to change their fortunes in the World Cup qualifiers.
Finally, pay close attention to Venezuela. They have been wonderful in their qualifying campaign (fourth, and on the road to their first World Cup appearance) and Fernando Batista has them organized and playing disciplined and brave football.
As the United States once again welcomes the impact and arrival of the Copa América, there is a strong reminder that due to the level of talent, multifaceted stories and fan energy that comes from the Latin American diaspora, this particular edition promises be a showcase of the highest level.
