Argentina’s Copa America Preliminary Squad: Notable Omissions and Rising Stars

 

The anticipation for the 2024 Copa America is building, and Argentina, the defending champions, have recently announced their preliminary squad. While some familiar faces are included, there are also surprising omissions. Let’s take a closer look at the players who made the cut and those left out.

Notable Omissions

Juan Foyth

Position: Defender (Right-back)

Club: Villarreal

Reason for Exclusion: Foyth has struggled with injuries this season, limiting his playing time. Despite being a World Cup winner, his lack of match fitness likely influenced Scaloni’s decision.

 

Alejandro “Papu” Gómez

Position: Forward (Attacking midfielder)

Club: Monza

Reason for Exclusion: Gómez tested positive for a banned substance during his time at Sevilla. The two-year ban has ruled him out of contention for the Copa America.

 

Thiago Almada

Position: Midfielder (Attacking midfielder)

Club: Atlanta United

Reason for Exclusion: Almada is set to represent Argentina in the Olympics, which takes place after the Copa America. His focus will be on the U23 team.

 

Paulo Dybala

Position: Forward (Attacking midfielder)

Club: AS Roma

Reason for Exclusion: Dybala’s absence remains unexplained. Despite a good season with Roma, Scaloni opted not to include him.

 

Rising Stars

Valentín Carboni

Position: Forward

Club: AC Monza

Potential Impact: Carboni, a rising talent, could make a name for himself in the Copa America. Keep an eye on his performances.

 

Julián Álvarez

Position: Forward

Club: Manchester City

Potential Impact: Álvarez has been impressive for Manchester City. His versatility and goal-scoring ability make him an exciting prospect.

 

Here are the 29 players which have been picked and will be with the team for the matches against Honduras and Ecuador before the Copa America in the United States.

Goalkeepers:

Franco Armani (River Plate)
Gerónimo Rulli (Ajax)
Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)

Defenders:

Gonzalo Montiel (Notting Forest)
Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid)
Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille)
Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
Germán Pezzella (Real Betis)
Lucas Martínez Quarta (Fiorentina)
Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica)
Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United)
Marcos Acuña (Sevilla)
Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)
Valentín Barco (Brighton)

Midfielders:

Guido Rodríguez (Real Betis)
Leandro Paredes (AS Roma)
Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid)
Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur)

Forwards:

Ángel Di María (Benfica)
Valentín Carboni (AC Monza)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Ángel Correa (Atletico Madrid)
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
Nicolás González (Fiorentina)
Lautaro Martínez (Inter)
Julián Álvarez (Manchester City)

Argentina’s preliminary squad boasts a mix of experience and youth. While some familiar stars will lead the charge, the absence of players like Dybala and Foyth opens the door for rising talents. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Messi and the rest of La Albiceleste as they aim to defend their title.

Tags: #CopaAmerica #Argentina #Football #Soccer