Sports Mole takes a look at Argentina’s squad for Copa America 2024, including the key players to make the cut and the notable names to miss out on selection.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has selected a provisional 29-man squad for this summer’s Copa America in the United States.
La Albiceleste are hoping to win a third consecutive major international tournament after lifting the Copa America in 2021 and the 2022 World Cup.
Three years ago, Angel Di Maria scored the decisive goal against Argentina’s old foes Brazil to guide his country to their first Copa America triumph since 1993.
Less than 18 months later, Argentina were celebrating their first World Cup success since 1986 after prevailing in a penalty shootout against France.
With Argenint targeting more silverware, they will warm up for their Copa America defence with two friendlies against Ecuador on June 9 and Guatemala on June 13.
Scaloni’s side will then face Canada in their tournament opener on June 20, before they conclude the group stage with games against Chile and Peru.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look at Argentina’s 29-man squad, focusing on the key names and notable players that missed the cut.
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Messi set to lead Argentina into Copa America 2024
There was speculation as to whether Lionel Messi would continue to play international football after leading his country to their third World Cup trophy in 2022.
The 36-year-old ultimately decided against international retirement and is now preparing to represent Argentina at a 12th major tournament after being named Scaloni’s squad.
Argentina’s record appearance holder and goalscorer will head into the tournament in fine form, having scored 13 goals and contributed 11 assists in 14 competitive matches for Inter Miami this season.
Messi is joined in the squad by several other established names, including the likes of Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Acuna, Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolas Tagliafico.
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Several Premier League stars make the cut
Eight Premier League teams are represented in the Argentina squad, including Premier League champions Manchester City.
Fresh from helping the Citizens win a fourth consecutive league title, Julian Alvarez will be looking to claim more silverware in the summer months.
Alvarez will travel to the United States in a confident mood after enjoying a productive domestic campaign, registering 19 goals and 13 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Manchester United supporters will be keeping an eye on Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho after the pair made the cut.
Martinez has been included in the selection despite spending large periods of the domestic season on the sidelines with injury issues.
The defender returned to fitness to play a role in Man United’s final three games of the season, including the 2-1 success in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Garnacho got on the scoresheet in that Wembley showdown, ensuring he finished the campaign with 10 goals and five assists in 50 competitive matches.
Tottenham Hotspur have a couple of representatives in Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, while there are also places for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Valentina Barco and Nottingham Forest’s Gonzalo Montiel.
Unsurprisingly, Aston Villa shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez has been included after winning the Golden Glove Award at the 2022 World Cup.
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Dybala misses out on selection
Paulo Dybala played a small part in Argentina’s World Cup success, featuring as a late substitute in the semi-final and final.
However, the playmaker will not have the chance to help his country at his summer’s tournament, having been left out of Scaloni’s travelling part despite enjoying a productive campaign with Roma.
Dybala was nominated for the Serie A’s Best Attacker award after scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists in 28 league appearances.
The 30-year-old registered more goalscoring contributions than any of his Roma teammates, but his efforts were not enough to convince Scaloni to take him to the United States.
The Argentina head coach also decided to omit the likes of PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Walter Benitez, Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi and Atalanta United attacker Thiago Almada.
Scaloni still has to cut three players before he submits his final squad for the tournament.
Argentina’s Copa America 2024 squad
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Franco Armani (River Plate), Geronimo Rulli (Ajax)
Defenders Gonzalo Montiel (Nottingham Forest), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Lucas Martinez Quarta (Fiorentina), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Valentin Barco (Brighton)
Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Leandro Paredes (Roma), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur), Valentin Carboni (Monza)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Angel Di Maria (Benfica) Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Julian Alvarez (Manchester City), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)