Argentina consider UEFA Nations League to replace Copa América
Fox News in Argentina is reporting that after what happened with CONMEBOL this summer, the nation may look to play in the European competition.
The backlash in Argentina continues following the controversial red card awarded to Lionel Messi in the Copa América third-place play-off, and the VAR concerns during the semi-final elimination to Brazil. For this reason, reports Fox Sports Argentina, the country's football governing body is considering alternatives further afield.
Cristiano and Messi to face each other?
While the 'corruption' claims by the Barcelona star have received their own criticism, and the fallout continues, the news outlet states that there is an offer on the table to the AFA to play in the recently launched UEFA competition, the Nations League, which replaced international friendlies in the calendar.
Their sources say that if Argentina decided to walk away from the Copa América competition organised by CONMEBOL, they would then have the option to take part instead against the likes of Spain, Germany, England and Portugal, the latter potentially offering fans the chance to see rivals Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi go head to head once again.
It was Ronaldo's national team that lifted the inaugural trophy this year and, with so many of Argentina's stars - Otamendi, Agüero, Dybala, Paredes, Lo Celso, Lautaro, to name just a few - already in Europe, some suggest this could be a great move for several reasons. Others, however, can't see it being agreed to by all parties concerned.
In March 2020, the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup begin, while next summer sees the Copa América return quicker than usual (to align it with the European Championships) and will be played in Colombia.
UEFA have since denied these reports, although have thrown out another invitation to the Argentinians.