The Copa America is just around the corner, with Argentina and Chile set to kick off the highly anticipated tournament at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Over the next month, the United States will play host to some of the world’s top soccer players, including Lionel Messi and Vinicius Jr., as they represent their countries across eight different states.
So, what makes this year’s Copa America so special? Let’s take a closer look at the five most fascinating talking points heading into the tournament.
Copa America begins this week with Lionel Messi and Argentina set to defend their crown
Messi’s Swan Song?
This summer may mark the final chapter of Lionel Messi’s glittering international career with Argentina. After captaining his country to historic victories at the Copa America and World Cup, there’s nothing left for Messi to achieve at international level.
With his 37th birthday just around the corner, Messi faces an uphill battle to make it to the next World Cup in 2026. He recently expressed doubts about his chances of playing at another major competition, citing the toll of playing every three days in Europe.
Messi could well be gearing up for his final international tournament as an Argentina player
This tournament, then, will likely serve as a grand international farewell for a player many consider the greatest of all time.
USMNT on Home Soil
The USMNT will be looking to make a deep run in the tournament, with a talented roster featuring the likes of Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Tyler Adams, and Antonee Robinson.
Pulisic’s form will be crucial to the hosts’ chances, after an impressive season at club level saw him record 20 goal involvements in 36 Serie A games.
Christian Pulisic’s form will be crucial to hosts USA going far at this summer’s tournament
An early exit and some underwhelming displays could put Gregg Berhalter’s job under pressure, but a strong performance could bring optimism ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Marsch in the Mix
Should Berhalter’s position come under threat, Jesse Marsch could be the obvious candidate to replace him. Marsch recently took over as Canada head coach and has a difficult task on his hands in making it out of a group consisting of Argentina, Peru, and Chile.
Marsch came close to taking over as USMNT boss last year, only to be snubbed in favor of Berhalter. Now, he has a chance to make a statement with Canada and potentially position himself as a future USMNT coach.
Jesse Marsch will be looking to make a statement with Canada after being snubbed by USMNT
Ballon d’Or on the Line
Vinicius Jr is the frontrunner to clinch this year’s Ballon d’Or award after a masterful club season with Real Madrid, which ended with him scoring in their Champions League final triumph.
The Brazilian forward, 23, scored 24 goals in 39 games to help Madrid seal both Europe’s major club prize and the Spanish title, leaving him in pole position to be crowned the best player in the world.
Vinicius Jr can move a step closer to the Ballon d’Or by inspiring Brazil to the title this summer
Should Bellingham inspire England to victory at this summer’s European Championship, Vinicius may well need to do the same with Brazil at the Copa America to edge him out in the voting.