As enthusiasm grows for the highly anticipated 2024 Copa America, all eyes are on Argentina. Fresh from their 2022 World Cup triumph, the defending champions are gearing up to maintain their dominance on the continental stage. Amid preparations, manager Lionel Scaloni provided a critical update on roster selection, confirming that veterans Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria have a ‘guaranteed‘ spot in the squad.

As per journalist Gastón Edul, when La Albiceleste boss was asked to share a glimpse of all the stars he will feature in the coveted tournament, he succinctly replied, “Only Messi and Di María have their places guaranteed in the Copa América.” It is quite a surprising claim. It comes as more surprising as Scaloni didn’t bother to take up the obvious names, including Emiliano Martínez, Paulo Dybala, Rodrigo De Paul, Lautaro Martínez, and Julian Alvarez. However, there is a deeper reason why Scaloni and his coaching staff have only shortlisted Messi and Di Maria. 

One would anticipate the 2022 FIFA Best Men’s Coach Award winner to assemble a squad similar to the World Cup-winning team he led in Qatar for the upcoming tournament in the USA. However, it appears that Scaloni is taking a deliberate approach to roster selection, aiming to carefully consider each player before making his choices. This way, he will also provide other deserving players with an opportunity to showcase their talent, which they may not have had during the World Cup.

Not to forget that Copa America 2024 is a key for many players to secure a spot for the 2026 campaign. It will be intriguing to see which players make the cut and which soccer stars do not. Interestingly, Copa America isn’t the only international stage where Messi and Di Maria have been pre-invited.

Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria get a proposal to play at the Paris Olympics

Argentina U23’s Javier Mascherano is prepared to extend invitations to Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria for the Paris Olympics. In an interview, while acknowledging his ‘remarkable relationship’ with both veterans, he expressed his obligation to invite the duo to the summer games. However, recognizing that the decision wouldn’t be as straightforward as it may seem, he deferred the final call to the players.

Mascherano understands that both players have commitments to their respective domestic clubs as well as the Copa America. Notably, national teams are eligible to compete in the Olympics, scheduled to commence from July 26 to August 11, with each squad permitted to include three overaged players. Therefore, Mascherano hoped to include Messi, Di Maria, and Emiliano Martinez as the overage players on the team.

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For the time being, the trio’s attention will be on the upcoming Copa America, leaving fans enthusiastically awaiting the announcement of the full rosters.