COPA AMÉRICA 2024
Argentina possible lineup against Chile in the 2024 Copa América match: Will Messi start?
La Albiceleste got the tournament underway with a 2-0 win against Canada in their opener. Lionel Messi was not among the goals but did notch an assist.
Argentina got their 2024 Copa América journey off on a strong footing with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Canada in the tournament’s opening fixture. The world champions missed a hatful of chances at Mercedes-Benz Stadium but goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martinez were enough to secure the three points.
Lionel Messi provided a neat assist for Martinez’ late goal but both he and long-time international teammate Angel Di Maria missed glaring opportunities for Argentina, seemingly struggling on the much-maligned surface in Atlanta, Georgia. As Lionel Scaloni’s side prepare for their second group stage fixture against Chile, both Martinez and the precocious Alejando Garnacho are pushing for a starting berth. However we expect Argentina to field an unchanged team on Tuesday.
Argentina predicted team: Emiliano Martinez - Marcos Acuna, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina - Alexis Mac Allister, Paredes, Rodrigo de Paul - Angel Di Maria, Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi.
When was the last time Argentina lost a game?
In recent year’s Argentina have become the dominant force in international soccer and this summer they go in search of a third consecutive major tournament triumph. The run began with the 2021 Copa América, the nation’s first trophy in 28 years, and was followed by the World Cup in 2022.
This time around they come into the tournament with real momentum having lost just one of their past 21 games, a run that stretches back to their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening game of the 2022 World Cup.
Their only defeat in that 18-month spell came at the hands of in-form Uruguay in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier. Marcelo Bielsa’s side are among the favourites for this summer’s Copa América and no team will relish meeting the Uruguayans.
Argentina can book their place in the quarter-finals with a victory over Chile on Tuesday and can extend their impressive winning run even further. With veteran stars Di Maria and Messi likely to need a rest at some point this summer Scaloni would appreciate the opportunity to moderate their minutes in the final group stage fixture against Peru, leaving them fresh for the knockout rounds.