All eyes will be on Argentina and Lionel Messi this summer as they aim to go back-to-back and repeat as Copa America champions.

Argentina will hope to make it three straight trophies since the legendary Messi guided his country to his first ever international title over Brazil in Copa America 2021. The 2022 World Cup winners kick things off this summer with the opening match against Canada on June 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, looking to start off on the right foot in Group A.

La Albiceleste are led by none other than head coach Lionel Scaloni, who typically sticks to his 4-3-3 system that helped him defeat Didier Deschamps‘ France in the World Cup final roughly 18 months ago. The likes of Messi, Cristian Romero and Alexis Mac Allister will be among the first names on the team sheet, but who else will join them in the starting XI come late June?

Here’s how Argentina could lineup for this summer’s Copa America.

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GK: Emiliano Martinez – The Aston Villa shot-stopper will be crucial to Argentina’s chances of successfully defending their title.

RB: Nahuel Molina – Fresh off a second season with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, Molina holds down the right-back position.

CB: Cristian Romero – The 26-year-old anchors the backline and will have a part to play in Argentina going back-to-back.

CB: Lisandro Martinez – Should he recover from his calf injury in time, Martinez could partner the heart of defense alongside Romero.

LB: Nicolas Tagliafico – Perhaps one of the more underrated players in the Argentina camp gets the nod at left-back.

CM: Rodrigo De Paul – Messi’s ‚bodyguard‘ commands the midfield and will hope to shine in the same way he did out in Qatar in November & December of 2022.

CM: Alexis Mac Allister – The Liverpool figure’s excellent delivery and on-the-ball quality will be required to unlock low block defenses that could be deployed by opposing sides to slow down La Albiceleste.

CM: Enzo Fernandez – Fernandez still has undeniable quality in the middle of the park despite his struggles at Chelsea.

RW: Lionel Messi – The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will have his sights set on a third international trophy with his country.

ST: Julian Alvarez – With Lautaro Martinez missing so many big chances at the 2022 World Cup, the Manchester City figure starts up front and center with his excellent link-up play.

LW: Angel Di Maria – Although he typically plays on the right-wing, Di Maria takes up shop on the opposite flank like he did in the World Cup final against France.

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