Argentina will begin defending the Copa America title against Canada in Thursday's tournament opener at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Tonight's clash will mark Argentina's first encounter with Canada since May 2010, when a team coached by the legendary Diego Maradona triumphed 5-0 in a friendly.
La Albiceleste are the reigning Copa America champions, having defeated hosts Brazil in the 2021 final to secure their first title since 1993. Lionel Messi, who lifted his first international trophy, guided the Argentines to victory in Brazil.
Following their Copa America triumph, Argentina continued their success by winning the 2022 World Cup, defeating France on penalties in a dramatic final to claim the trophy for the first time since 1986.
Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina have been exceptional, winning 13 of their last 14 matches and losing just once, giving them strong momentum heading into this summer's tournament in the United States.
In their warm-up games, Argentina narrowly defeated Ecuador 1-0 and then showcased their attacking prowess with a 4-1 win over Guatemala, extending their winning streak to five matches since a surprise loss to Uruguay in October.
With preparations complete, La Albiceleste is now fully focused on Group A. They are favorites to top the group ahead of Canada, Chile, and Peru.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni finalized his 26-man squad following a win over Guatemala. He made tough choices to leave out Valentin Barco, Leonardo Balerdi, and Angel Correa. Lisandro Martinez is expected to start over veteran Nicolas Otamendi, pairing with Cristian Romero in central defense.
Scaloni is contemplating his midfield setup, likely choosing two from Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Leandro Paredes to partner Rodrigo De Paul of Atletico Madrid in the middle of the park.
Fresh off scoring twice against Guatemala, Messi, with 108 international goals, will look to add more in Thursday's opener.
With six CONCACAF teams in the competition, Canada is making their Copa America debut after overcoming Trinidad and Tobago in a crucial playoff earlier this year.
Canada had to navigate the playoff route after failing to qualify directly through the 2023-24 CONCACAF Nations League. The Canucks showcased their quality with a 2-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in March's playoffs, thanks to second-half goals from Cyle Larin and Jacob Shaffelburg.
While Jesse Marsch's side aims to make a strong impression, they see the Copa America as an opportunity to test themselves against elite teams and gain valuable experience ahead of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the USA and Mexico.
The Reds enter the tournament under new management, with Jesse Marsch recently appointed. Marsch, who previously managed European clubs including RB Salzburg, RB Leipzig, and Leeds United, saw his tenure begin with a heavy 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands but was encouraged by a resilient goalless draw against France.
Thus, Marsch became the first American to coach Canada's men's national soccer team.
Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies is a standout player for the Canucks, set to anchor the defense alongside Derek Cornelius, Moise Bombito, and Alistair Johnston.
Elsewhere, FC Porto's Stephen Eustaquio will captain the team, partnering in midfield with Watford's Ismael Kone. Up front, Lille's forward Jonathan David, who boasts 26 goals in 48 appearances, will be a crucial threat.
Argentina, 15-time winners of the Copa America tournament, will face a new challenge as Canada makes their tournament debut. The Canucks secured their spot as one of the six CONCACAF teams after winning a playoff against Trinidad and Tobago.
Despite Canada's potential, including talented players like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, Argentina's world-class squad is expected to shine through. This could possibly lead to a routine victory for the defending champions, and Leo Messi should score at least once.
