The beginning of the 2024 Copa America is quickly approaching with current holders Argentina set to get the ball rolling when they face Canada in the opening game on Friday, followed by an exciting month of action-packed football through to the final on July 14.
16 teams will take part in the tournament for the first time since 2016 and just the second time since the competition’s first edition in 1916, leaving room for plenty of the planet’s most talented players to make their mark.
In this article, we are going to pick out five of these players that we believe you should keep your eye on throughout the tournament:
Lionel Messi
Messi is arguably the greatest footballer to have ever played the beautiful game and was expectedly the driving force behind Argentina’s 2021 Copa America, four goals and five assists, and 2022 World Cup, seven goals and three assists, victories.
While he now plies his trade in MLS for Inter Miami, the 36-year-old is still vastly talented and will be looking to once again lead his nation to glory in what could be his last-ever Copa America.
Vinicius Junior
Vinicius comes into this tournament having enjoyed the most prolific season of his career to date with 24 goals and nine assists that ended with him lifting the Champions League with Real Madrid.
While he may be one of the most talented players in the world, Vinicius has failed to reach the heights expected of him for his country with just three goals in 30 appearances. The absence of Neymar in this tournament means Vinicius will be the focal point of the side and, alongside his club teammate Rodrygo, he will be looking to take Selecao to the trophy.
Christian Pulisic
USA and Pulisic will be playing on home soil in this year’s Copa America and will be hoping to put in a positive performance before once again playing host at the next World Cup in 2026.
The AC Milan winger enjoyed a fruitful first campaign in Italy scoring 16 and assisting 10 and comes into this tournament on the back of three goals and two assists in his last six games for club and country, including the equalising goal against Brazil in the 1-1 draw prior to the tournament.
Santiago Gimenez
The Mexican striker has had two fantastic seasons since joining Feyenoord in 2022, scoring 23 goals in 45 games last season before 26 goals in 41 appearances this time around.
His brilliant performances have earned him links to some of Europe’s biggest sides, such as Liverpool and Arsenal, and the striker is likely to be a key part in any success his country achieves in this tournament.
Jonathan David
David is set to lead the line for Canada’s history-making first appearance at a Copa America tournament when they face Argentina on the opening day, and the forward is certainly capable of causing the reigning Copa America and World Cup winners some harm.
The Canadian has scored 26 times in each of the last two seasons for Lille and netted an impressive 26 times in 48 matches for his country, and Canada will be hoping the striker can produce the goods as they look to make their mark in their first-ever tournament.
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Comment below with the player you are most excited about seeing at Copa America 2024!
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