Lionel Messi-led Argentina Unveil Copa America 2024 Squad, Ronaldo's Ex-teammate Makes the Cut
lionel messi argentina announce copa america 2024 squad cristiano ronaldo alejandro garnacho
Reigning FIFA World Cup holders Argentina have announced their 26-strong squad for the upcoming Copa America 2024. Lionel Messi will be leading La Albiceleste, whereas Cristiano Ronaldo's former Manchester United teammate Alejandro Garnacho has made the cut.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has opted to include both Garnacho and Valentin Carboni, while veteran winger Angel di Maria was also included, in what could be his final major tournament for his country.
Among those who missed out on Argentina's squad are Leo Balerdi, Valentín Barco and Ángel Correa, all three of them were in the running but failed to make the final list. The reigning Copa America champions will be playing in the tournament opener on June 20, against Canada.
Argentina won their 15th Copa America crown back in 2021, under Messi's captaincy, and La Albiceleste also lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Scaloni will be hoping to lead his side to yet another piece of silverware.
Meanwhile, Argentina have been in terrific form heading into the Copa America 2024, they defeated Guatemala 4-1 in a warm-up fixture before the tournament. Both Messi and Lautaro Martinez scored a brace each in the friendly.
Apart from Canada, Argentina will have to tackle Chile and Peru in Group A.
Talking about Argentina's squad, Scaloni has opted to go with three goalkeepers, Emiliano Martinez whose heroics in the World Cup 2022 final helped them win the final against France. Franco Armani and Geronimo Rulli will be the backup to Martinez.
Montiel, Molina, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, M. Quarta, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martnez, Nico Tagliafico and Marcos Acuna have been selected as defenders. In the centre of the park, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo de Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Giovanni lo Celso and Rodriguez made the cut.
Elsewhere, Angel di Maria, Valentin Carboni, Messi, Garnacho, Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez have been selected as the attacking options.
Argentina's Copa America 2024 full squad:
Goalkeepers: Martinez, Armani, Rulli
Defenders: Montiel, Molina, Romero, Pezzella, M.Quarta, Otamendi, Li. Maritnez, Acuna, Tagliafico
Midfielders: Rodriguez, Paredes, Mac Allister, De Paul, Palacios, Fernandez, Lo Celso
Forwards: Di Maria, Carboni, Messi, Garnacho, Gonzalez, La. Martinez, Alvare