The world champions are set to get their Copa América preparations underway in Fort Lauderdale.
Argentina will seek to defend their continental crown during the upcoming 2024 edition of the Copa América. Manager Lionel Scaloni and his players are, understandably, one of the favourites to win the trophy; if they do, it would be the second time that the Albiceleste will be crowned champions of South America. With World Cup winning captain Leo Messi leading the squad once again with the armband and Ángel Di María looking for one last dance at the national team level, there has never been a more poignant time for the side to taste glory.
Ahead of the build-up for the much-anticipated tournament that will see stars such as Vini Jr, Brenden Aaronson and Federico Valverde go head-to-head for the South American crown, TyC Sports have reported that the Argentina national team will train at Chase Stadium, home of Messi and Inter Miami, when they stop over in Florida during the tour prior to the Copa América 2024.
Will fans be able to attend?
As of yet, no information has been released regarding whether or not fans will be able to watch their star train for the world champion side. However, pre-tournament preparation is usually a very tightly guarded affair, and as such, allowing fans into Chase Stadium to watch Messi and co. train would be something of an unprecedented move.
When will Messi leave Inter Miami to join Argentina?
Reports indicate that Leo Messi will report to Argentina duty on June 3, and as such, Gerardo Martino opted not to use his captain and star player to face the Whitecaps this Saturday in MLS. The trip from Florida to Vancouver is the longest in the history of MLS and it was decided that risking Messi’s fitness was not a safe option.
As well as Messi, Inter Miami are also travelling to Canada without superstars Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets, something which has caused a huge furore from fans. The Whitecaps, who released a sorry statement after the Messi news leaked, were expecting a record crowd for the Argentine, but the shock and anger of the fans at Messi’s absence has seen plenty of fans question whether or not to attend.
Back to Argentina: Scaloni will have his work cut out for him, as he will have to make a final squad list for the Copa América on June 15, so the mini-tour in the United States will be very useful for him to make any last-minute decisions and send his best players out to defend the title.
The Albiceleste will play the opening match of the Copa America 2024 on June 20 against Jesse Marsch’s Canada at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Afterwards, they will play Chile at MetLife Stadium and Peru at Hard Rock Stadium, all as part of Group A.
