🇦🇷 Your guide to Argentina ahead of the Copa América | OneFootball

Lionel Messi’s final shot at international glory?

Messi’s fifth Copa América will probably be his last, meaning this one is about more than just Argentina.

The key man is … Lionel Messi

Goes without saying, doesn’t it?

The number 10 has been spectacular for Barcelona all season but even he has not managed to drag the Albiceleste to a trophy.

Argentina have reached two Copa América finals and a World Cup final in the Messi era but they are yet to win a tournament.

In Brazil he gets a chance – perhaps his last chance – to put that right.

The rising star is … Giovani Lo Celso

The midfielder travelled to last summer’s World Cup but didn’t manage to feature in Russia.

It seems this tournament has arrived at just the right time. The 23-year-old flourished under Quique Setién at Betis and is now a key member of Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina midfield.

Lo Celso’s playmaking abilities and composure will be crucial if Argentina are to succeed.

What’s special about the coach?

The element of surprise. Scaloni’s nine games in charge of Argentina are all the experience he has as a head coach, so nobody can be sure if he has a trick or two up his sleeve.

A former defender, Scaloni is full of passion and will demand nothing less than the maximum from his players. That’s the bar.

What is their likely line-up?

Armani; Saravia, Otamendi, Pezzella, Tagliafico; Lo Celso, G. Rodríguez, Paredes, Di María; Messi, Agüero.