Messi is clearly the best, but he isn’t the only global superstar on show in the U.S. at Copa America 2024
Ahead of the 2024 Copa America – the first iteration of the tournament to be held in the United States since 2016 – all of the focus, understandably, is on Lionel Messi.
And with good reason. The Argentina captain will forever be the center of the soccer world, and he now practices his craft in the very country in which he will look to bring back-to-back Copa America glory.
But he’s not the only big name who will strut his stuff in the US this summer. A bounty of the sport’s best will be on show throughout June and July, with top players from around the European and global game all vying for national team success.
Beyond Messi, Madrid’s trio of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Federico Valverde all catch the eye. There’s talent aplenty, though, with key players for Manchester City, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen and more all set to be on show at the Copa America.
the top 25 players set to appear in this year’s iteration of the ever-anticipated tournament…
25 . Angel Di Maria, Argentina
Di Maria’s Argentina career is coming to an end, but he still has one last chance to end on a high. He was excellent for Argentina in Qatar, and will look to make an impact here, even if Scaloni might only trust him with a reduced role. A true great of the game is after a perfect departing gift.
24 . Enzo Fernandez, Argentina
There are two versions of Fernandez. Chelsea fans are used to the one who struggles to make an impact at Stamford Bridge. But watch him for Argentina, and he becomes a different player altogether – a truly world class presence who can pull the strings for the reigning champs.
23 . Piero Hincapie, Ecuador
Hincapie was everyone’s trendy pick for Europe’s next big center back last summer. Even if he hasn’t quite kicked on under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, Ecuador’s main man will be crucial to his country’s hopes in a group that includes Mexico, Venezuela and Jamaica.
22 . Weston McKennie, USA
A polarizing figure among USMNT fans, McKennie enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career at Juventus. Max Allegri’s side didn’t always make for great watching, but McKennie has carved out a role in a top European side. A strong summer for him could see the US do some damage in the tournament.
21 . Endrick, Brazil
Check back with us in 2030 on this one. Endrick probably isn’t the next Pele – no one can be – but the soon-to-be Real Madrid forward is an immense talent. With a series of strong showings for the Selecao, he should have done enough to clinch a starting spot at the tournament. From there, anything is possible.
20 . Antonee Robinson, USA
For long stretches of the past season, “Jedi” has arguably been the best left-back in the Premier League. A reliable defender who loves to bomb forward, he will certainly give Berhalter’s outfit a strong flank. An impressive tournament could see him earn a high-profile move.
19 . Lucas Paqueta, Brazil
Paqueta has never looked a perfect fit for West Ham, but his performances for Brazil of late have been nothing short of magnificent. A tricky No. 10 who can pull the strings for the Selecao’s rapid forwards, he will add creativity to an otherwise bruising midfield.
18 . Emi Martinez, Argentina
“El Dibu” is beloved in Argentina and hated pretty much everywhere else. And that’s exactly the way he likes it. A penalty stoppingspecialist with a penchant for a big save or two , Martinez became the ultimate big-game player in Qatar. Opponents will fear spot-kicks as long as he’s between the sticks.
17 . Alphonso Davies, Canada
Davies’ levels have certainly dropped last season under Thomas Tuchel, but the rapid left-winger is still a difference-maker at the highest level. He will likely play in a more advanced role for Canada, where his pace and trickery can have a real impact as the U.S.’s noisy neighbors look to make a run.
16 . Leon Bailey, Jamaica
Bailey could be a surprise contender for player of the tournament – if he indeed opts to represent his country. The Aston Villa winger was excellent for Unai Emery’s club last season, and among the better attacking options in the Premier League. A recent rift with the Jamaican Football Federation seems to have his inclusion up in the air, but if it’s figured out, the Reggae Boyz will be dangerous.
15 . Eder Militao, Brazil
Militao seemed primed for yet another top season at Real Madrid before suffering a torn ACL in Los Blancos’ season opener. He has since returned, though, and seems set to start for the Selecao at either centre-back or right-back. He will look to be ready to tighten up a beleaguered defensive unit.
14 . Bruno Guimaraes, Brazil
The beef in the Brazilian midfield, Guimaraes is perhaps the most consistent performer the Selecao have. He won’t catch the eye with much samba flair, but he has no problem flying into tackles and is also tidy on the ball. There is never an easy game against the Newcastle bruiser.
13 . Luis Diaz, Colombia
Diaz has endured a mixed campaign for Liverpool, but he always seems to show up for his country. A brilliant brace against Brazil capped off a memorable World Cup qualifying win at the end of 2023. Colombia will go as far as he can carry them.
12 . Ronald Araujo, Uruguay
Arguably the best center back in Europe last season, Araujo would probably be higher on this list had Barca not endured such a poor La Liga campaign. Still, it’s been hard to fault the big Uruguayan, who is still a Rolls Royce at the back on his day. His experience against Vinicius could be crucial should Uruguay meet Brazil in the later rounds.
11 . Alexis Mac Allister, Argentina
The bargain of last summer? Mac Allister can play anywhere in the midfield, functioning as a true two-way player for club and country. For Argentina, he does his bit going forward, and has proved to have an excellent understanding with the country’s main man up front.
10 . Darwin Nunez, Uruguay
Which version of “Darwizzy” shows up this summer? On his day, Nunez is a world-class forward, capable of changing any game with his pace and power. At his worst, he can be a liability in front of goal. Uruguay will take the good with the bad, and hope that the game-changing version of the Liverpool man fires them on a deep run this summer.
9 . Gabriel, Brazil
Arsenal have the best defence in the premier League, and Gabriel is a big part of why. The bruising centre-back has formed an imperious partnership with William Saliba, something he will look to extend with Marquinhos for the Selecao.
8 . Julian Alvarez, Argentina
Alvarez was among the breakout stars of the 2022 World Cup, and hasn’t really slowed down in the 18 months since his side lifted the famous trophy. Lionel Scaloni’s system relies on Alvarez being at his best alongside Messi, and if he hits top form, Argentina will be hard to beat.
7 . Christian Pulisic, USA
All of USMNT’s hopes rest on the shoulders of “Captain America.” The hosts need to perform on home soil, if only to get on track ahead of the 2026 World Cup. If Pulisic balls out, then they always have a chance.
6 . Rodrygo, Brazil
No longer Madrid’s forgotten man, the winger enjoyed the best season of his career to date – surpassing 25 goal contributions in all competitions for Los Blancos. Rodrygo could do with a signature performance for Brazil, though. His goal against the US suggested that he can perform for his country when called upon.
5 . Lautaro Martinez, Argentina
Martinez enjoyed one of his best seasons in club football, finishing sixth in Europe with 24 league goals. But there remain questions as to whether he can do it for the national team, a series of poor showings leaving him fighting for minutes in Scaloni’s side.
4 . Alisson, Brazil
Injuries may have robbed him of valuable minutes this year, but Alisson is still among the best goalkeepers on the planet. If he’s on, the Selecao will have a game-changing shot stopper between the sticks – something few other teams can boast.
3 . Federico Valverde, Uruguay
From unsung hero to bonafide superstar, Valverde has only improved year-by-year for Los Blancos. And he has started to impress for his national team, too, turning in a series of important showings that have made the post-Edinson Cavani era look far less scary for Uruguay.
2 . Vinicius Jr, Brazil
Is there a player more crucial to his team’s success not named Messi? With Neymar out, it is Vinicius’ time to step up for the Selecao. He certainly has the talent, and his electric season for Real Madrid suggests that he could be ready to become Brazil’s star this summer.
1 . Lionel Messi, Argentina
Who else? Yes, he may be getting on a bit, even as he continues to star for Inter Miami. Yes, he has endured some injury struggles. But Messi is still the best to ever do it, and is the undisputed centerpiece of an excellent Argentina team – and of Copa America 2024, overall.
