SUMMARY
- Argentina is the #1 ranked international team in the world but they might slip in the summer of 2024.
- Lionel Messi-led Argentina might have multiple difficulties defending their Copa America title in the United States.
Argentina’s triumphant Copa America 2021 and FIFA World Cup 2022 have helped them regain their status as a global soccer powerhouse. However, replicating that success in the upcoming 2024 Copa America might be a challenge they may not overcome. Here’s why:
Saying the toughest of goodbyes to the maestro
This Copa America marks the end of an era. Lionel Messi will seemingly hang up his boots on his international career. Although Messi has not officially announced that he will retire after the 2024 Copa America, he has expressed his desire to retire before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Considering Copa America 2024 is the only international tournament before that, this could be Messi’s last big tournament in Argentina colors.
Lionel Messi says that he won’t play in the next World Cup in 2026 🥺 pic.twitter.com/VUfzIBfs0J
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 13, 2023
His presence on the field has been a game-changer. Argentina heavily relied on his magic, his goals, and his leadership. Now, to think of a time without him, they’ll need to find a new way to win.
Filling Messi’s shoes will be a massive task. Young stars like Alejandro Garnacho and Julian Alvarez might be talented, but can they take on the responsibility and replicate Messi’s impact?
Angel Di María confirms that he will retire from the Argentina national team after the 2024 Copa America.
One last dance 🇦🇷❤️ pic.twitter.com/0ChiltGFpw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 23, 2023
Argentina needs a new offensive strategy, a new go-to guy when the game gets tough. It’s a big question mark hanging over their heads. It will be important to start integrating that replacement while Messi is around. Otherwise, their future will be even more bleak. Also, not to forget, Messi’s long-time compatriot Angel Di Maria will also retire after Copa America 2024.
A new playground for the South Americans
This year’s Copa America is being held in the United States, far away from the passionate South American crowds. Adjusting to a new environment, different weather conditions and unfamiliar playing surfaces can throw any team off their rhythm. Argentina will have to adapt quickly and find their footing in a foreign land. However, on the contrary, it will be the same for all other teams.
So, who will beat Argentina to the crown?
Brazil, their arch-rivals, will be hungrier than ever after their disappointing defeat last Copa America. They have an extremely strong squad with the most exciting players in world soccer. Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Pacqueta, and Richarlison are just some of the big names. A huge blow for Brazil is the fact that Neymar will miss the tournament due to injury.
Neymar has been ruled out of The Copa America 2024 due to his ACL injury.
Get well soon, @neymarjr 💔🙏 pic.twitter.com/cCUBPLkC1G
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) December 20, 2023
Colombia, under the leadership of James Rodriguez, has been steadily building a strong squad, and Uruguay, with veterans like Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, and youngsters like Fede Valverde and Darwin Nunez, shouldn’t be underestimated either. The competition will be fierce.
Argentina’s recent success makes them a force to be reckoned with, but their path to defending the title is tough. Can they overcome the impending loss of Messi, integrate new players, and adapt to a new environment against teams that are arguably stronger than them? Only time will tell. This Copa America promises to be a wide-open race, and Argentina might find themselves fighting tooth and nail just to reach the podium.