Copa America 2024 is well underway as Lionel Messi leads the defending champions Argentina through Group A.
While the host country USA stuck its flag in the ground against Bolivia, Argentina opened the Copas by taking down the Northernest Americans, Canada, 2-0.
After Brazil’s lackluster opener against Costa Rica, it appears few teams can stand in Argentina’s way. With Chile and Peru left in group play, no one can stop Argentina from rolling into the knockout rounds.
As the South American powerhouse prepares to play Chile for Group A dominance, here are the Top Five Reasons Why Argentina will win Copa America 2024.
The World Cup Winners have electric team chemistry.
Argentina’s team chemistry was highlighted often during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup run. It is a fact that has remained unchanged.
Argentina has not lost or drawn a match since their shock-upset loss to Saudi Arabia in Qatar. More than that, the squad runs deep with reserves that would start for 99% of all teams. And even more than that – they have a coach who knows how to wield the sword that is Argentina’s attack, sharpening its razor’s edge that is Messi, the greatest of all time.
Scaloni’s tactics emphasize Messi’s greatness.
Scaloni likes to play a 4-4-2 in front of Emi Martinez, Aston Villa’s comically rambunctious goalkeeper. While the backline and midfield are both exceptionally tough, it’s Argentina’s two-up-top system that sets them apart.
On the left, you have either Alvarez or Martinez, two world-class strikers who went head-to-head for a Champions League two seasons ago. On the right is the legend himself, playing a “creative 10” that pretty much allows Messi to do whatever he wants.
It’s simple, really – when you have a star, use him. And with Argentina’s attack-first principles, allowing Messi to be Messi is nothing short of genius.
Argentina’s entire roster is in top form.
But let’s forget about Messi for a second. There are plenty of other big names to drop here. Tottentham’s Cristina Romero, Man U’s Lisandro Martinez, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, Roma’s Leandro Paredes, Atletico’s Rodrigo De Paul – not only is Argentina’s entire roster top class, but they’re also in top form, too. Just look at FotMob’s average Argentinian player ranking against Canada – 7.5. (By comparison, Canada’s was less than 7.)
With guys like Otamendi, Lo Celso, and Martinez coming off the bench, there aren’t many teams who could stop Argentina from winning Copa America without Messi, much less with him.
Messi, Messi, MESSI.
Speaking of Messi, he is everywhere. No more “Where is Messi?” There is Messi – in the back of your goal.
He plays somewhat aloof, disappearing into the pitch for minutes at a time. Then, out of nowhere, he’ll strike, either dribbling through an entire defense or making a previously unforeseeable pass to an open teammate for a goal. That’s how he operates, that’s how he works. Even when you don’t see him, he’s still working, in the background, lurking, waiting. That’s the Messi magic. And with attacking partners like his, Messi can always count on his final pass to find the right strike.
Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez give Argentina a one-two punch like no other.
If Messi is the king of assists, that means someone else is doing the scoring. Luckily for the GOAT, he has two of the most highly-coveted strikers in the world playing his opposite.
24-year-old Alvarez has already scored in and won all the major tournaments available – Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, Copa America, and the World Cup. So that’s impressive.
Then there’s 26-year-old Inter Milan striker Martinez, who has an incredibly similar resume. The tournament is still young, but they have already scored Argentina’s only goals.
So I know I didn’t talk much about defense, but who needs it? With an attack like Argentina’s, there isn’t a team in the world that can stop Messi from lifting the Copa America trophy in 2024.
Featured Image – Generated Image – DallE3 – AFA
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