Argentina : Football/ Lionel Messi selected to play in the Copa America
Lionel Messi, 36, has been selected by the coach of the Argentine team to represent his country in the Copa America, which will take place in a few weeks. He had left his future uncertain a year and a half ago after winning the World Cup in Qatar, but Lionel Messi will indeed have the opportunity to achieve another triumph in the Argentine jersey. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been chosen by his coach Lionel Scaloni for the Copa America, which will be held in the United States from June 20 to July 14.
Scaloni has announced an expanded list of 29 players for the continental competition, which includes the legendary number 10. This is an ideal situation for Messi, who has been based in North America since the summer of 2023 following his signing with Inter Miami.
Barring any last-minute physical issues or a sudden withdrawal, Messi will attempt to defend his title with Argentina. The Albiceleste were crowned champions in 2021, which was at the time Messi’s first major title with his nation outside of the Olympics. In the 2024 edition, Argentina will face Canada (June 21), Chile (June 26), and Peru (June 30) during the group stage.
The most notable absence is Paulo Dybala. Stars Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Emiliano Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister, and veteran Angel Di Maria will participate in the tournament. Di Maria has announced his intention to retire from the national team after the tournament.
Here is the full list of players selected for the tournament:
Goalkeepers : Franco Armani, Geronimo Rulli, Emiliano Martinez. Defenders : Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Lucas M. Quarta, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuña, Nicolas Tagliafico, Valentín Barco. Midfielders: Guido Rodriguez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, Giovani Lo Celso, Angel Di María, and Valentin Carboni. Forwards: Lionel Messi, Angel Correa, Alejandro Garnacho, Nicolas González, Lautaro Martinez, and Julian Alvarez.
