Everyone Against Argentina and Messi in Copa America

Argentina, the defending champions with their star Lionel Messi, and Brazil, the nine-time champions led by Vinicius Junior, are both vying for another title in the 48th edition of the Copa America, which kicks off in the United States.

This tournament is the first of three major events the United States will host, followed by the revamped Club World Cup in 2025 and the 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams, co-organized with Mexico and Canada.

The Copa America will feature a record 16 teams, mirroring the 2016 edition also held in the United States. It includes the traditional ten teams from CONMEBOL and six teams from CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean).

Messi, the 2022 World Cup winner, hasn’t ruled out participating in the next World Cup but is currently focused on the Copa America. He clinched his first international title with the senior team in 2021 after several disappointing campaigns.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who will celebrate his 37th birthday during the tournament, will lead Argentina, who are favorites to retain their title in Group A, which includes Peru, Chile, and their first opponent, Canada, whom they play against on Friday.

The biggest threat to Argentina’s title defense comes from Brazil and their rising star, Vinicius Junior. Vinicius has emerged as Brazil’s standout player in recent years, significantly contributing to Real Madrid’s 15th Champions League title.

The 23-year-old, who also celebrates his birthday during the tournament, aims to translate his club success to the national team. He stated, “I haven’t won any title with the national team yet, and I hope to achieve that now. We’ve prepared well. This generation is strong, and we want to achieve great things with the Seleção.”

Vinicius will compete in the Copa America alongside his Real Madrid teammates Rodrygo and Éder Militão, as well as his future teammate Endrick, who is considered a rising star for Brazil, making his debut in a major tournament at just 17 years old.

Brazil’s squad boasts prominent players like goalkeeper Alisson, veteran center-back Marquinhos, midfielders Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Guimarães, and forward Raphinha.

Several teams are aiming to dethrone Argentina and Messi. Uruguay, tied with Argentina for the most Copa America titles (15), is also seeking to reclaim the continental throne. However, they will play without Edinson Cavani, who retired from international football on May 30. They are led by veteran striker Luis Suárez, Darwin Núñez, and experienced Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, who took over in May 2023.

Cavani, who earned 136 caps and scored 58 goals as Uruguay’s second all-time top scorer, participated in five Copa America editions and won the title in 2011.

Bielsa, who also oversees the Olympic team, hasn’t called up Cavani since his appointment. In his absence, Uruguay has achieved seven wins, one draw, and two losses. Bielsa’s squad features notable players like striker Núñez, Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, José Giménez, and Suárez, who is expected to play in his last continental championship after four previous editions.