COPA AMÉRICA
Argentina’s Copa América hotel: Beachfront luxury for Lionel Messi and co.
As La Albiceleste go in search of a third consecutive international tournament, we take a look at their team base in Miami.
When Argentina lifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar much was made of the incredible bonds formed within the squad. Every player, unified by the goal of securing a World Cup for Lionel Messi, bought in to the journey and the team’s WhatsApp group chat is still entitled ‘World Champions’.
In Qatar Messi opted to share a room with close friend Sergio Aguero, who was no longer a part of the Argentina squad. After the historic triumph it was announced that the room would be converted into a museum, a testament to the importance of getting these logistical matters right.
So, where will Argentina be staying for this summer’s Copa América in the United States? With Argentina’s group stage games taking place in Atlanta, New Jersey and Miami the team will be based on the East Coast, on familiar territory for Lionel Messi...
Argentina choose Miami hotel for Copa América journey
The world champions have opted for Le Méridien, Dania Beach as their Copa América base. The luxury hotel is a part of the Marriott Bonvoy group of hotels and is just a short trip from Miami’s Fort Lauderdale Airport. It’s also just 15 minutes from Messi’s house in Miami, in the gated Bay Colony neighbourhood.
The company website describes it as “an all-encompassing sanctuary for modern luxury” with “beautifully-styled accommodations and a prime location near pristine beaches”. There’s plenty of space for team gatherings with 23,340 square foot of entertaining space, more commonly used for events and weddings.
Particularly relevant for La Albiceleste will be the sports and fitness facilities of offer, giving players the chance to work out and recuperate without leaving the sanctity of the hotel. Le Méridien boasts a large outdoor pool and a fully-equipped fitness centre open 24 hours, seven days a week.
What will Argentina eat at Copa América?
The beachside hotel features five different restaurants, including Chef Richard Sandoval’s TORO Latin Kitchen and a Caribbean-themed Cabana. However don’t expect to see the Argentina team taking advantage of the various cuisine’s on offer.
Players at major tournaments will be following carefully-written nutrition plans designed to ensure that they are able to cope with the physical demands of a series of high-intensity games in quick succession. The team will likely eat together in one of the hotel’s conference rooms, with plenty of space to gather around large tables.
Argentina are expected to bring along much-loved chef Diego Iacovone, who first starting cooking for the national team in 1999. He was the man behind the famous asados seen at the 2022 World Cup, vast beef-heavy barbecues that are typical in Argentina and neighbouring countries.
Iacovone has become an Argentinian icon during his quarter-century with the national team and he will be celebrating another milestone during the tournament. He shares a birthday, 24 June, with Lionel Messi and the two have previously celebrated together when on national team duty.
Argentina have been training at Inter Miami’s Florida Blue Training Center this week and will prepare for the tournament from there until 13 June, when the MLS campaign resumes. Lionel Scaloni’s squad come into the tournament full of confidence after the World Cup triumph and will be hoping to keep the good vibes flowing all summer from their Miami base at Le Méridien.