Following their triumph in the 2022 World Cup, Argentina might have been expected to ease up, yet their continued momentum should instill apprehension in their 2024 Copa America adversaries. La Albiceleste dominated nine out of their ten matches in 2023, culminating in a remarkable away win against Brazil in World Cup qualification.

The future of Lionel Scaloni as Argentina’s coach post the Copa America reмɑιns uncertain, potentially motivating him to conclude his tenure on a positive note by steering his team to defend the title they claimed in 2021 and clinch a third consecutive tournament victory. Lionel Messi, undoubtedly, will once again take center stage in what could be his final Copa America, with the majority of the squad from their successful campaign in Qatar expected to join him.

Therefore, the question arises: who will secure a spot in Argentina’s 23-player Copa America squad?

In the goalkeeper department, Emi Martinez, who clinched the World Cup Golden Glove, is poised to maintain his position as the primary goalkeeper for La Albiceleste in the upcoming summer, with PSV’s Walter Benitez providing support. Benitez has been instrumental in PSV’s impressive unbeaten streak in the Eredivisie this season.

In the backup positions, River Plate’s Franco Armani and Atalanta’s Juan Musso appear to be the top contenders for the third-choice goalkeeper spot in the U.S.

DEFENDERS
Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi have been the favored central-defensive pairing under Scaloni since the World Cup, although Lisandro Martinez’s ιnjᴜry troubles have played a role in this. If Martinez, currently with Manchester United, can demonstrate his fitness before the tournament, he may have an opportunity to secure a spot in the lineup.

Similar to their roles in Qatar, Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are competing for a starting position at right-back, while Marcos Acuna and Nicolas Tagliafico are expected to be the two designated left-backs in the squad.

MIDFIELDERS
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is expected to feature in Argentina’s midfield alongside Rodrigo De Paul from Atletico Madrid and Alexis Mac Allister from Liverpool. Mac Allister is likely to assume the most advanced position as Scaloni aims to replicate a system similar to the one that proved successful in Qatar.

Despite limited playing time at Tottenham, Giovanni Lo Celso reмɑιns a contender for a place in the squad, while Exequiel Palacios’ impressive performances for Bayer Leverkusen should secure his inclusion. Thiago Almada of Atlanta United will compete with Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte and Inter’s loanee Valentin Carboni for a place in Scaloni’s final squad.

FORWARDS
Led by Messi in the attacking line, Argentina has a wealth of options to complement and support him. Scaloni is likely to include Angel Di Maria in the squad for one last stint with the national team, given his consistent performances at Benfica in Portugal. Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Fiorentina’s Nico Gonzalez are contending for starting positions.

Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are vying for the starting spot as the team’s No.9, with Martinez currently holding the edge in this competition. The role of Paulo Dybala, however, reмɑιns uncertain at this point.

EXPECTED STARTING XI
Argentina’s lineup is expected to bear a striking resemblance to the one that clinched victory in Qatar, as Scaloni aims to replicate their success in what could potentially be his final tournament at the helm.

The majority of the positions appear to be firmly established, at least at the outset of the tournament. Molina from Atletico Madrid is poised to start at right-back, leaving the left side as the only area of uncertainty. Scaloni faces decisions regarding the left-back and the winger who will flank Messi and Alvarez.

Argentina’s Probable XI (4-3-3): E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Acuna; Mac Allister, De Paul, Fernandez; Messi, Alvarez, Di Maria.