Copa América 2024 guide: Messi’s title defence, underdogs to watch

The Copa América, South America’s continental competition, kicked off in the United States for the second time after hosting in 2016. There are plenty of storylines, from World Cup champions Lionel Messi and Argentina defending their title, the USMNT using this as a warm-up for the 2026 World Cup that will be co-hosts, with Brazil looking to rediscover their form.

As we prepare for the next few weeks of action from America, let’s dive deeper into some of the things to look forward to, including rivalries, stars and key players and why this special edition comes with multiple themes.

Is this Messi’s last dance?

Messi will turn 37 on Monday. It is no secret that he is in the last chapter of his illustrious career. In an interview with ESPN, the Argentine talisman said that Inter Miami will be the last club he will play for. The Copa América is an opportunity to win a third consecutive major title with Argentina and create more memories with the national team after winning the 2021 Cup and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

But will it also be his curtain call on the international stage at a major tournament? Who knows.

In fact, Messi himself is uncertain about the future, which includes his participation in the next World Cup. “It depends on how I feel, how I am physically and how realistic I am with myself,” he said in an interview with Infobae. “And to know if I am up to the task of being able to compete and help my teammates next to me.”

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Speaking about defending the Cup title, Messi said: “It will be harder and harder for us – nothing will be easy for us,” Messi said last week. “But we’ll try again.”

He is right. It won’t be easy, because the obstacles don’t just come from Brazil anymore. This was shown in their opening 2-0 win against tricky Canada. And as the World Cup qualifiers showed, CONMEBOL’s hierarchy is changing.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay are energetic, resilient and fully embodied Charrúa Claw, the tenacious, warrior spirit of the land. And what about Colombia? After missing the World Cup in Qatar, there was a transformation with Coffee growers. This is a skilled, brave, adventurous Colombian team mixed with experience and youth, but thanks to head coach Nestor Lorenzo, they are now extremely organized and disciplined. They will be a force to be reckoned with.

In addition, Messi & Co. go in as favourites, and in terms of squad selection, head coach Lionel Scaloni hasn’t rocked the boat — 21 of the 26 players have been to Qatar 2022. But the new additions, which include Manchester United teenagers Alejandra Garnacho and Inter’s Valentín Carboni (on loan at Monza) show that Scaloni is ready to think about the future.

Who can deliver the upset?

Argentina could be the clear favorite, but there are plenty of teams that can surprise. Their group includes Canada, Peru and Chile — two nations whose rivalry is deep-rooted in political and cultural turmoil and on the field it all comes to light. Called the Clásico del Pacífico, it is usually played with an enormous amount of aggression. Friday’s particular game will be even more intriguing as Chile’s new manager is Ricardo Gareca, the former Peru manager who took the team to the 2018 World Cup for the first time in 36 years. Now someone who was adored by all Peruvians, manages their fiercest rivals.

Group D (Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay and Costa Rica) is intriguing. As mentioned earlier, Vinicius Jr and Brazil know there is a lot to do if World Cup qualification is anything to go by.

New coach Dorival Júnior arrived in January, but there are doubts whether the Brazilian side can regain their dominance in South America. La Seleçao will have a tough time from the start as winning the group could be a hindrance. And this is where I return to Colombia, who have not lost a game since manager Nestor Lorenzo returned to the national team.

Actually, Coffee growers they haven’t lost in 23 games. Lorenzo was Jose Pekerman’s assistant between 2014 and 2018, when Colombia also finished third at the Centenario. But now Lorenzo is in charge and this team is the real deal. They have already beaten Brazil in World Cup qualifying (the first win against them in the qualifying campaign), as well as friendly wins over Germany and Spain. They recently embarrassed the USA 5-1 and that’s no exaggeration: they have all the tools to finally win the Copa América title for the first time since 2001, their only one so far.

James Rodríguez, at 32 years old, is still influential because of his creativity. But this side is much more than that. From Liverpool’s Luis Diaz to Fluminense’s Jhon Arias, Colombia have flair, poise and defensive prowess. The match against Brazil in Santa Clara on July 2nd, the last of the group, should be an extremely tasty, electric affair.

Speaking of electricity, what about Uruguay? Under Marcelo Bielsa, Light blue are a force of nature. They are second in the qualifiers, with 13 goals — more than anyone else — and four wins, including 2-0 wins against Argentina and Brazil.

Uruguay has plenty of talent, such as Flamengo’s Nico de la Cruz. Under Bielsa, he is an important part when they go forward. Inter Miami player Luis Suarez is also back, ready to win his fifth Copa America. Additionally, Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez has been wonderful under Bielsa, most recently scoring a hat-trick in a 4-0 friendly win over Mexico, a game in which they didn’t even break a sweat.

Uruguay don’t care about possession or the way they build the game. They are not pretentious about their game plan. It’s about mental and physical control and so far they’re giving it. Opponents in their group, which includes the USMNT, should be very worried.

The fun doesn’t stop there as teams like Ecuador, Paraguay and Chile will be interesting to watch due to their transition situation. Bolivia and Peru are also hoping to change their fortunes from World Cup qualification.

Finally, pay attention to Venezuela. They were wonderful in their qualifying campaign (fourth, and on course to make their first World Cup appearance), with Fernando Batista organizing them and playing disciplined, brave football.

As the United States once again embraces the impact and arrival of Copa América, there is a strong reminder that with the level of talent, multiple stories and fan energy coming from the Latin American diaspora, this special edition promises to be a showcase at the highest level.