Argentina, the current World champions, are set to commence the expanded tournament Copa America on Thursday as Lionel Messi bids for his second continental title in what may be his last appearance.
The United States is hosting the 108-year-old tournament which features six teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean competing against ten South American nations for a place in the final on July 14 in Miami with FIFA keeping a keen eye on preparations for this competition since it is just two years before The World Cup takes off with Canada, Mexico, and united states of America as hosts; however, its rich history and prestige make it far beyond being just another “test event.” Far more than that.
Argentina has won Copa America fifteen times but only once during Messi’s era in 2021. Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina has mostly stuck with his world cup winning team where veterans like Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi are expect to play their last major tournaments.
This might not indicate if Messi had called it quits by then. The 8-time Balloon d’or winner who currently plays for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami will clock his 37th birthday four days after opening match against Canada at Atlanta on Thursday next week. He is yet to decide whether he wants to attempt a record sixth World Cup participation.
“It’s great to set records and continue achieving them, but I’ll not go into the World Cup simply because I have done six World Cups,” said Messi last week to ESPN.
“If i feel good & everything is ready that’s fine but i would not just go. I don’t know what will happen because we still have two years ahead. It’s difficult right now because there are still two years remaining.I’m not going to stand here & commit myself now about going or not going,” he added.
Lionel Messi has been slowly building up towards this moment by managing his health carefully so that he can peak at the World Cup. This is undoubtedly a big moment for Messi who after years of disappointment with his country will be hoping to win a third straight Grand Slam title with Argentina.
Chile and then Peru in Miami is where Group A closes for Argentina following Canada match. Nonetheless, they are well aware of the daunting task ahead of them in the knockout stage as it is likely that Brazil and Uruguay are favorites to lift the trophy.
Brazil have been struggling in South America’s qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup winning only twice from their first six matches and currently sit sixth after defeats by Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina.
A number of familiar faces are missing from Dorival Junior’s Brazilian side including Casemiro, Gabriel Jesus, and Thiago Silvawhile Richarlison And Neymar are both absent due to injury.
Real Madrid attacking duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo must perform well at club level, but there will also be huge expectation on 17-year-old prodigy Enderik who completes his move to Real Madrid from Palmeiras next month .
Marcelo Bielsa has taken over as coach of Uruguay which has won Copa America 15 times. Uruguay under Marcelo Bielsa (68 years old) an Argentinian senior national team coach that has implemented his style of high energy football that recently beat Argentina versus Brazil matches. Darwin Nunez will lead their attack but he got Luis Suarez there if he wants him later.
Over two years now, Colombia has remained unbeaten with the Liverpool’s energetic winger Luis Diaz and the resurgence of James Rodriguez in his twilight years. It is impossible to overlook this squad coached by Nestor Lorenzo.
After it reached the round of 16 at the World Cup, USA which lost its way hopes to evoke some much needed thrill. Christian Pulisic’s scheming wing attack-based team coached by Berhalter must show they can handle teams outside CONCACAF.
They are regular attendees in Copa America as a guest nation; they were runners-up in 1993 and 2001, yet their displays have looked subpar so far though as always they will rely on massive support from North Americans.
This is the second time that United States of America is hosting Copa America following Centennial Cup that was held in 2016.
