Argentina Is the Favorite to Win 2024 Copa América, US Enters Tourney With Confidence

Tim Ream (13) of the United States plays the ball during the first half of a CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinal Round leg 1 match against Trinidad and Tobago in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 16, 2023. Darren Carroll/Getty Images

With Lionel Messi in the lineup, Argentina is the favorite to win the 2024 Copa América, while the United States recently boosted its confidence with a solid performance against South American powerhouse Brazil.

Copa América runs from June 20 to July 14, bringing together 16 participating nations—10 from South America and six qualifiers from the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football. The tournament takes place across the United States.

Messi is winding down his international career after winning the World Cup in 2022 against France. While he feels no pressure to capture a second straight major international tournament, he would like to add his already lasting legacy.

“The fact we won the World Cup helped, it helped a lot, to see things in another way,” Messi told ESPN in an interview aired on June 12. “But I try not to think about it. I try to enjoy it. I do that more now because I’m aware that there’s not a lot of time left,” he continued.

“I enjoy my time with the national team, where I also have good friends, too, and a lot. I enjoy those small details that I know I’ll miss when I stop playing,” he added.

Argentina is tied with Uruguay for the most Copa América titles with 15. However, Argentina is on one of the best runs of any National Team in the world and has won 13 of 14 matches since winning the World Cup two years ago.

In addition to Messi, striker Julián Álvarez is poised to have a successful tournament. Álvarez was part of Manchester City’s Super Cup-winning team and scored during a penalty shoot-out victory over Sevilla in Athens.

Argentina also has Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, who shined in the team’s recent 4–1 victory over Guatemala in a Copa América warmup.

Brazil is the second favorite, ahead of Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States.

Brazil finished second in the 2021 Copa América behind Argentina and has a deep and talented roster that includes Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Silva de Goes (commonly known as Rodrygo), who recently won the 2023–24 Champions League title with Real Madrid.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker (commonly known as Alisson) is among nine Brazilian players who compete in the English Premier League and are part of the Copa América roster.

However, the Brazilians were recently criticized for their recent performance in a 1–1 tie with the United States in an international friendly. Brazilian star Ronaldinho Gaúcho (commonly known as Ronaldinho) was especially upset with the performance and went on social media to voice his concerns about the direction of the National Team.

“It’s difficult to find energy to watch the games,” Ronaldinho wrote on Instagram. “This is maybe one of the worst teams in recent years; it has no respectable leaders, just average players for the most part.

“I’ve been following football since I was a kid, long before I thought about becoming a player, and I’ve never seen a situation as bad as this,” he said.

“There’s a lack of love for the shirt, a lack of determination, and most importantly [a lack of] football. The performance has been one of the worst things I’ve ever seen. It’s a shame. That’s why I declare I’m giving up here. I won’t watch any CONMEBOL Copa América games, and I won’t celebrate if Brazil wins,” he added.

Ronaldinho later backtracked on those harsh comments.

Nonetheless, Brazil coach Dorival Junior will be under pressure to perform well in this tournament. The team faces added adversity and will be without star Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (commonly known as Nymar), who is recovering from a left knee injury.

Uruguay could be the dark horse that wins the Copa América. Ronald Araújo (Barcelona) and José María Giménez (Atletico Madrid) lead a talented defense, while Fede Valverde (Real Madrid) keeps the team organized in the midfield. Nicolás de la Cruz (Flamengo) should help provide some scoring punch.

Uruguay had a dominant 4–0 win over Mexico in a final pre-tournament friendly on June 5.

Mexico and coach Jaime Lozano are looking to get back on track after some disappointing performances. “El Tri” was eliminated in the first round of the 2022 World Cup and lost to the United States in the CONCACAF’s Nations League final.

Edson Álvarez (West Ham United) will keep the midfield organized and help set a potent attack that includes Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord).

After a deflating 5–1 loss to emerging powerhouse Colombia, the United States bounced back by tying Brazil. U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter selected a young roster with an average age of 25 years and 230 days. It is the second-youngest squad the USA has sent to five editions of the Copa América, behind only the 2007 team.

The U.S. roster has an international flavor, with 26 players representing clubs in 11 countries.

Forward Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) and goalkeeper Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City) make their second Copa América rosters, with the duo being part of the 2016 Copa América Centenario squad.

Pulisic, who has three Copa América appearances, is also the leading cap-winner on the roster (68), followed by Tim Ream (58), Weston McKennie (53), Antonee Robinson (43), and Matt Turner (41).

Eighteen of the 26 U.S. players were on the 2022 FIFA World Cup roster.

Colombia is an experienced team with goalies Camilo Vargas (Atlas) and David Ospina (Al-Nassr), who is back after dealing with various injuries. Liverpool forward Luis Diaz can create matchup problems against any opponent. Diaz gets support from Jhon Arias (Fluminense) and Rafael Santos Borré (Internacional).

2024 Copa América

Group A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Canada Group B: Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica Group C: USA, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica