Copa América Group A Opener: How Long Will Argentina Rely on Messi? Chile's Unusual Player Selection Criteria

The Copa América kicked off on the morning of August 20th, with reigning champions Argentina and the dual hosts of Copa América and World Cup, the United States, in the spotlight. As Argentina looks to defend its title and the U.S. aims to make an impact, much of the focus remains on Lionel Messi. While Messi is expected to play until at least the 2026 World Cup, his declining physical condition and the strategic management of his playing time pose challenges for the Argentine squad.

Chile, on the other hand, continues to rely on veterans from the 2014 World Cup, despite having promising young talent. Interestingly, some of these younger players are being sidelined due to their poor Spanish language skills, raising questions about Chile's player selection strategy.

Argentina vs. Canada - Messi Drives the Hype

Since 2015, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has been keenly aware that Messi needed a Copa América title. With Cristiano Ronaldo already boasting a European Championship, the pressure was on to ensure Messi achieved similar success at the national level. Between 2015 and 2021, CONMEBOL hosted four Copa América tournaments, including joint editions with North America, finally seeing Messi lift the trophy in 2021 at the age of 34. This victory was followed by a World Cup win in 2022, cementing Messi's legacy.

The success of Argentina in these tournaments can be attributed to a fortified defense and a cohesive team structure. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has been a formidable presence, while center-back Nicolás Otamendi found rejuvenation playing outside the top European leagues, ensuring he remains in peak form for national duties. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister provide essential support for Messi, though striker Lautaro Martínez occasionally leaves fans and Messi himself in disbelief with missed opportunities.

Canada, making their first Copa América appearance after a symbolic play-off win over Trinidad and Tobago, has been on an upward trajectory. Despite finishing last in their World Cup group, they held their own against strong European and African teams. Canada's recent progress underscores their potential, though they face a daunting challenge against Argentina.

Since their World Cup triumph, Argentina has played 14 matches, winning 13 and losing only once to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier. Messi's fatigue was apparent in that match, with Uruguay's defense proving more robust than the world champions. Following the loss, Messi called for respect in a post-match press conference, highlighting the competitive nature of South American football.

Argentina and Uruguay each have 15 Copa América titles, making them favorites in this edition. With Messi now a part of Major League Soccer (MLS), his popularity among host country fans has surged. Argentina enters the match with significant advantages, including favorable conditions and home support, while Canada struggles with inexperience, making a standout performance unlikely.

Peru vs. Chile - Sánchez Still Leads the Charge

Both Peru and Chile have had unremarkable performances in recent years. Peru narrowly missed the last World Cup after losing to Australia in the intercontinental play-offs. Aging Chile finished seventh in South American qualifiers, failing to secure even a play-off spot. However, with the expanded format of the next World Cup, Peru's fifth-place finish could guarantee direct qualification, while Chile's seventh-place finish would secure a play-off spot. Despite the competitive nature of South American qualifiers, Peru's current last-place standing after six matches suggests a tough road ahead.

Peru has yet to win a match in the qualifiers, prompting a coaching change. New coach Jorge Fossati, an Uruguayan, has led the team in four friendly matches, securing three wins and one draw. Now, he faces the challenge of turning around Peru's fortunes in official competitions.

Chile continues to rely on veterans like Claudio Bravo, Mauricio Isla, Alexis Sánchez, and Eduardo Vargas. These seasoned players have helped Chile keep pace with South American powerhouses, currently sitting in eighth place in the qualifiers. Despite the emergence of talented newcomer Ben Brereton, his exclusion from the 2024 squad due to language barriers highlights the peculiar selection criteria of coach Ricardo Gareca.

In recent qualifiers, both Peru and Chile have managed home victories against each other. However, with Chile's aging squad struggling to maintain vigor, they might only perform at a fraction of their potential. Meanwhile, Peru, under new management, could leverage their fresh momentum to overpower their rivals.

Conclusion

As the Copa América unfolds, the spotlight remains on Argentina and their strategic use of Messi, whose playing time will be carefully managed to balance his declining physical condition. On the other hand, Chile's reliance on veterans and their unusual selection criteria raise questions about their long-term strategy.

Argentina's recent form and Messi's star power make them favorites against Canada, while Peru's new leadership and Chile's aging squad set the stage for a competitive but unpredictable clash. As the tournament progresses, teams will need to adapt and strategize to navigate the challenges of international football and the unique dynamics of the Copa América.