The Copa America 2024 is underway in the United States which is one of the most awaited sporting extravaganzas in the Americas.
The CONMEBOL and the CONCACAF have put up a tournament in which 16 teams will be competing with the finals being played on July 14.
Copa America 2024, which is the 48th edition of the intercontinental tournament will see some football stars who would itch to shine on the field. As the championship promises thrill and excitement to football lovers, let us take a glance at the five players to watch out for in the tournament.
Key Players At Copa America 2024
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Argentina caption Lionel Messi would be the centre of attraction at the tournament. After leading his team to a title win in 2021 Copa America and 2022 FIFA World Cup, all eyes will be on Messi.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 13 goals in Copa America. Messi, who became the most capped player in Copa America history, marked his 35th appearance in the tournament opener against Canada with a 2-0 win.
This could well be the last Copa America they Messi would be playing.
Vinicius Junior (Brazil)
Vinicius Junior would try to fill the gap in the absence of Neymar at Copa America 2024. All spotlight would be on the Brazilian sensation as Neymar would be missing in action from this edition of Copa America.
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The Read Madrid player performed well for his club team scoring 15 goals and nine assists La Liga this season. He scored crucial goals in the Champions League as the Spanish club won the title.
Also Read: Lionel Messi Scripts History In Copa America 2024
Santiago Giménez (Maxico)
Santiago Giménez has delivered for his Dutch club Feyenoord finish second in the season.
With 23 goals and 6 assists, the 23-year-old has been one of the prolific players for Feyenoord.
Giménez would be expected to continue the run in Copa America where he plays for Mexico, turning down an opportunity from his country of birth Argentina. A good Copa America campaign would mean a drove of suitors for him.
Also Read: EURO 2024: Lionel Messi Responds To Kylian Mbappe’s Absurd Euro-Copa America Comparison
Darwin Nunez (Uruguay)
Darwin Nunez will be the focal point of Uruguay’s attack and the team would be dependent on him if it wishes to win the championship title at Copa America 2024. He can be an absolute threat to the opponents with his raw talent.
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The 24-year-old appeared to make strides of progress in the 2023-24 season playing for Liverpool as he returned 18 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.
With eight goals in his last seven caps, Nunez is the leading scorer in South America’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification phase. He achieved a hat-trick in a warm-up win over Mexico this month.
Federico Valverde (Uruguay)
Having been part of the Champions League winning team, Uruguayan Federico Valverde is now keen on lifting his first Copa America. The Copa America 2024 will be his third edition after featuring in 2019 and 2021 campaigns.
Being touted as one of the best passers of the game, Valverde scored 3 goals and 8 assists for Real Madrid. The 15-times champion Uruguay will bank on him to win yet another Copa America title.
