Argentina Squad for Copa America 2024: Who’s in and Who’s out, Key Players and Predicted Line-Up

What you can expect from Argentina in Copa America 2024?

The defending champions and 2022 World Cup winners – Argentina are the favorites to retain their crown this summer.

The team has shown remarkable form by winning nine out of their ten matches in 2023. Their stunning away victory over Brazil in World Cup qualifying has only boosted their confidence.

While Lionel Scaloni’s future as Argentina’s coach is uncertain after this tournament as he may want to end on a high note by defending the Copa America title they won in 2021 and this could be his last chance to secure a third successive tournament victory.

Lionel Messi will once again lead his team in Copa America 2024 and rumors suggest that this might be his final Copa America while the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to be joined by many of the players who helped him win the World Cup in Qatar.

Argentina announced a 29-man preliminary squad on May 20th while 3 players will need to be cut before the tournament starts.

The Current World Champions look ready for another thrilling tournament but will they lift the trophy once more? Only time will tell.

The Copa America 2024 is fast approaching and Argentina’s squad is ready to shine. Let’s take a look at the players who will represent La Albiceleste this summer.

Goalkeepers

Emi Martínez – the one who won the World Cup Golden Glove will be Argentina’s No.1 goalkeeper. Backing him up are River Plate’s Franco Armani and Ajax’s Gerónimo Rulli.

Defenders

Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi have been Lionel Scaloni’s preferred central defenders since the World Cup. Lisandro Martínez is recovering from injury and might join them.

Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are competing for the right-back spot while Marcos Acuña and Nicolás Tagliafico will cover the left-back positions.

Also Read: A tactical preview for Turkey National Football Team playing in EURO 2024

Midfielders

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández will be a key midfielder alongside Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister.

Giovani Lo Celso despite limited club minutes remains a strong option off the bench. Exequiel Palacios from Bayer Leverkusen could also see playtime due to his excellent form.

Forwards

It’s obvious that Lionel Messi will lead the attack while Ángel Di María will have a final run with the national team.

Young talents like Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Fiorentina’s Nicolás González are eager to secure starting roles. Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez are battling for the No.9 position with Álvarez currently favored over the latter.

Predicted Lineup for Argentina in Copa America 2024

Coach Lionel Scaloni aims to stick with the winning formula from the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Let’s have a look at the likely lineup:

In goal it’s a no-brainer Emi Martínez – The Golden Glove winner will be the last line of defense and we all know how cool and calm he can be in be in major tournaments.

The defense looks solid with Nahuel Molina of Atlético Madrid expected to start at right-back. Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi will be the central defenders providing experience and grit while on the left Marcos Acuña will likely get the nod.

The trio that worked wonders in Qatar will stay intact in the midfield. Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, and Enzo Fernández will orchestrate the play as they have the right mix of creativity and control.

Now, the forwards. Lionel Messi will of course lead the attack. It might be his final Copa America so expect him to dazzle. Julián Álvarez is set to partner Messi up front which will be bringing energy and sharpness. On the left wing, we will see the ever-reliable Ángel Di María will provide the flair and experience.

So, the predicted lineup will look like this:

Argentina’s Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): Emiliano Martínez (GK); Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Marcos Acuña; Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández; Lionel Messi (C), Julián Álvarez, Ángel Di María

Players missing for Argentina in Copa America 2024

As Argentina finalizes their squad for Copa America 2024 two names stand out as notable absentees: Thiago Almada and Paulo Dybala.

Thiago Almada was a member of the World Cup-winning roster in 2022 but he will not be part of the squad this time.

Paulo Dybala is another key player from the 2022 World Cup triumph who also misses out. Dybala has faced injury troubles during his time at Roma which likely influenced his exclusion from the squad.

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