Argentina will be looking to retain their crown when the Copa America kicks off later this month in the United States of America.
The 2022 World Cup winners are one of the competition’s favourites alongside their South-American counterparts and arch-rivals Brazil.
With the tournament set to start on June 20, Soccernet.football takes a look at seven stars who could shine for La Albiceleste.
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7. Exequiel Palacios
The 25-year-old midfielder enjoyed a near perfect season with Bayer Leverkusen, winning a domestic double while staying unbeaten and tasting defeat only once, in the Europa League final.
Palacios was key for Leverkusen at the heart of midfield and could be just as important for Argentina when the tournament commences. He will be looking to replicate the form he displayed at club level this season.
6. Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister was brilliant for Liverpool this past season, playing a key role for the Reds as they won the EFL Cup and sealed a third place finish, chipping in 14 goal contributions.
The 25-year-old, who was an integral part of Argentina’s World Cup winning squad will certainly play a significant part in La Albiceleste’s quest to defend their crown.
5. Nicolas Gonzalez
Gonzalez was Fiorentina’s best attacker this past campaign, turning up with the goods for his team as they made their second consecutive Europa Conference League final appearance and recording 21 goal involvements across 44 appearances.
The 26-year-old attacker offers a different dimension to La Albiceleste’s front line and could prove to be a very reliable source of goals for the World champions.
4. Alejandro Garnacho
The youngster was one of the outstanding players of a largely disappointing Manchester United side, impressing massively despite his team’s poor fortunes.
Garnacho scored one of the goals which won United the FA Cup and his outrageous acrobatic effort against Everton was also awarded the Premier League Goal of the Season.
The exciting 19-year-old winger is just as dangerous coming off the right side of attack as he is coming off the left. If given the opportunity, Garnacho could well solidify his place in the first eleven.
3. Julian Alvarez
Alvarez was a key member of a record breaking Manchester City side that lifted their fourth consecutive Premier League title, contributing 11 goals and 9 assists across 36 appearances.
The 24-year-old offers mobility upfront and can contribute to La Albiceleste’s overall play. Alvarez is clinical in front of goal and he also possesses impressive creative abilities.
The Man City forward can lead the attack, play off another striker and come in off the flanks. His versatility will certainly come in handy for the team.
2. Lautaro Martinez
The 26-year-old striker was Inter’s main man as they cruised to Serie A triumph this past season. Martinez fired the Nerazzurri to their 20th Scudetto, scoring 24 goals and providing 6 assists across 33 appearances.
The Inter skipper, who finished as Serie A’s top goal scorer will certainly be brimming with confidence going into the tournament and Argentina gaffer Lionel Scaloni will be hoping his striker can replicate that form when the Copa America kicks off.
1. Lionel Messi
The little magician may be at the twilight of his career but there is absolutely no doubt about his talents and what he offers to the Argentina national team.
La Albiceleste’s skipper will surely be their main man going into the tournament, dictating the pace in the middle of the park while contributing significantly in attack.
Messi was the heartbeat of La Albiceleste when they won the World Cup in 2022 and he will certainly be pivotal for Scaloni’s men as they look to defend their crown and retain their position as the best national team in the world.
