Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has reminded his players that only Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria are “guaranteed” berths in his 2024 Copa America team.
Argentina won friendly matches against El Salvador and Costa Rica during the international break, as Scaloni prepares for this summer’s Copa America. Scaloni has been without Lionel Messi for the past two matches due to injuries, and he started Walter Benitez and Alejandro Garnacho in the 3-1 victory over Costa Rica. After the game, Scaloni informed his players that just two spots in his squad for the summer competition were guaranteed.
He told reporters: “It is a possibility (Benítez as second goalkeeper), in the world of football nothing is known. Today he is here, he surely had his great chance because it is evident that he came with us, but I cannot guarantee any of those who have come here. Only the one who did not come, who already you know [Messi]. The rest, pick and shovel. Well, Fideo (Di María) too… He has it guaranteed.”
Argentina will clearly look to Messi for inspiration at the Copa America, while Di Maria will want to finish on a high as he’s already admitted he will hang up his international boots after the tournament. Di Maria scored a fine free-kick against Costa Rica to spark Argentina’s comeback with Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez were also on target for the world champions. Yet Scaloni’s made it pretty clear that his players must keep working hard if they are to secure a place in his squad for the summer’s tournament.
Messi is expected to return to action with Inter Miami after injury on April 3 against Monterrey. Meanwhile, Argentina will kick off their Copa America campaign on June 21 against Canada. If Scaloni’s men make it all the way to the final they will play the game in Messi’s new home, with the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens set to host the showpiece.
