Argentina at Copa America 2024: Full squad, preview, match schedule, venue, telecast info

The World Champions will look to defend the title.

As the 2024 Copa America approaches, all eyes are on the defending champions Argentina. Led by superstar Lionel Messi, the Albiceleste enter the tournament as heavy favourites after winning the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America.

Argentina’s squad remains largely unchanged from their World Cup winning side, keeping the same core of veteran players and team chemistry intact. This continuity and recent success makes them the team to beat in South America.

The draw has also fallen kindly for Argentina, avoiding the other top contenders like Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay until the potential final. This allows coach Lionel Scaloni to rotate his lineup through the group stage without facing elite opposition early.

However, questions remain about Scaloni’s preferred starting eleven. Striker Lautaro Martinez has been in sublime form for Inter Milan, while Julian Alvarez had a breakout World Cup but has played less this season. Fitting both alongside Messi could be a tough puzzle.

At 36 years old, Messi may no longer be the unstoppable force of his prime but remains capable of match-winning brilliance on his day. Against defensive opponents, he can drop into pockets of space and unlock defenses with his vision and passing.

While surprise results can never be ruled out, Alberceleste undoubtedly enter as the team to beat. Anything less than the trophy would be considered a major disappointment for the world’s top-ranked side. Their path through the draw looks extremely favourable to defend their title.

Also read: Will Copa America 2024 be Lionel Messi’s final tournament with Argentina? Lisandro Martinez delivers his verdict

Argentina group fixtures and venues

Argentina are placed in Group A alongside Canada, Chile and Peru.

Argentina vs Canada:

21 June at 1:00 a.m. GMT, 6:30 a.m. IST

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Argentina vs Chile:

26 June at 1:00 a.m. GMT, 6:30 a.m. IST

Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

Argentina vs Peru:

30 June at 1:00 a.m. GMT, 06:30 a.m. IST

Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Also Read: Top five favourites to win Copa America 2024

Argentina’s final 26-man squad for Copa America 2024

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Franco Armani (River Plate), Geronimo Rulli (Ajax)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Nottingham Forest), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Lucas Martinez Quarta (Fiorentina), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon)

Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Leandro Paredes (Roma), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur)

Forwards: Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Valentin Carboni (Monza), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)

Live telecast details

India: FanCode, Sony Sports Network

UK: Premier Sports

USA: FOX Sports, TUDN

Australia: Optus Sports

Nigeria: Sportitalia

Canada: TSN, RDS

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