Copa América Group A: The serial winners meet the underdogs 🇦🇷🇨🇦🇨🇱🇵🇪

Welcome to our Copa América coverage, where we break down everything you need to know, starting with Group A affairs.

Well, that’s an obvious answer. As Copa América holders and reigning world champions, all eyes are on Argentina.

Ranked No. 1 in the world heading into the tournament, Lionel Scaloni will return to his trusty playbook to repeat past successes. Lionel Messi has not lost his form since his move to MLS, while Alejandro Garnacho (19) and Valentín Carboni (19) are young additions to Argentina’s talented squad.

However, CONMEBOL and CONCACAF are two worlds apart. That means this bicontinental tournament is sure to generate some corkscrews. Is the Albiceleste simply invincible, or will it finally break?

If they lift the trophy again, Argentina will be the country with the most Copa América wins (16), breaking the tie with Uruguay.

The result of the second day will be decisive for the evolution of Group A between Chile and Argentina. The two heavyweights in the group will see this clash considered a must-win to fight for the top spot.

The two have not met since 2022, and three of their last four meetings ended in a draw. The blue and white stripes lead the total victories in all competitions. However, Chile beat Argentina twice in the Copa América final on penalties (2015 and 2016).

Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)

Forget Lionel Messi here. Turn your attention to Lautaro Martínez. The Serie A player of the season helped Inter win another league title and the Italian Super Cup with 27 goals and seven assists in 44 games. Will he transfer his club form to the international stage for Argentina?

Peru’s aging forwards will need others to put scoring opportunities on the board and Luis Advíncula is tasked with that task. As an attacking right-back, the 34-year-old is a powerful passer with an eye for deep passes. Participating in the Copa América and the World Cup, he will be key to their offensive performance.

We are sure you know this name. Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo could be the deciding factor for Chile. He knows this tournament inside out and played a leading role in both penalty shootout victories over Argentina. Yet, at 41 and with just seven appearances for Real Betis last season, is he still up to the task of taking on deadly Argentina, wily Peru and the threats of Canada?

Stephen Eustaquio (Canada)

In a team in search of maturity, Stephen Eustáquio is the model. His talent for keeping pace in the midfield and his visionary reading of the field make Canada vibrate. Some 19 goals in 94 games for Porto isn’t bad either. He is also the free kick and corner taker, who publicly asked his team to “don’t be boys and start being men”.

The football world will remember how Canada impressed against Belgium in the 2022 World Cup, holding Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku and others to a 1-0 scoreline.

However, the Canucks hired a new permanent manager just over a month before their Copa América opener against Argentina. How prepared are they under Jesse Marsch? And can they present themselves as strong opponents or was 2022 a fluke?