Messi and his world champion Argentina begin this Thursday the defense of the Copa América title they won three years ago in Brazil. Canada, one of the hosts of the 2026 World Cup, will be the thermometer that will measure the Albiceleste’s favoritism in the debut in Atlanta.
The Albiceleste arrives at the Copa América in the United States backed by an undefeated record of 20 games without defeats, since that surprise against Saudi Arabia in the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
For Messi, the Copa América 2024 has a special seasoning: as soon as the ball rolls at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, he will become the footballer with the most appearances in the history of the tournament, reaching 35 games.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has the world champion base in the United States in 2022, but he has three doubts about the level of competitive parity to finish designing the starting eleven against the “Canucks”.
In the attack led by Messi, the competition revolves between Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez in the center forward positionand Nicolás González or Ángel Di María to occupy one of the bands.
This is how you can see the opening match of the Copa América 2024
Day: Thursday, June 20, 2024
Time: 7:00 pm Colombia
Channel: Caracol TV, RCN TV and Directv
Historic debutant in the Copa América, Canada entered the United States 2024 edition through the back door by beating Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in a single match in the Concacaf playoff.
The American Jesse Marsch, 50, has been the Canadian coach since mid-May, and his team’s banner is left back Alphonso Davies, a figure from Bayern Munich and one of Real Madrid’s targets.
The best of the Canadians is in the attack, with men with recognized international experience such as Jonathan David from French Lille, Tajon Buchanan from Inter Milan and Cyle Larin from Mallorca.
Probable lineups:
Argentina: Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez; defenders Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; midfielders Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; forwards Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez or Julián Álvarez, Ángel Di María or Nicolás González. DT: Lionel Scaloni.
Canada: Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau; defenders Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies; midfielders Ismael Koné, Stephen Eustáquio, Tajon Buchanan, Liam Millar; forwards Jonathan David and Cyle Larin. DT: Jesse Marsch.
