MX23RW : Sunday, November 17 11:33:36| >> :600:133927:133927:

Lionel Scaloni reveals only two Argentina players guaranteed Copa America spots

Scaloni reveals only two Argentina players guaranteed Copa America spots
© Reuters
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni confirms there are only two players who are guaranteed of her place in his Copa America squad.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria are the only two players guaranteed to be in his Copa America squad.

La Albiceleste will travel to the USA this summer to defend the Copa America title that they won in Brazil three years ago.

Argentina's preparations have seen them compete in two friendlies in the USA, beating El Salvador 3-0 in Philadelphia before fighting back to get the better of Costa Rica on Tuesday evening.

After trailing at the break, Argentina produced a second-half turnaround to claim a 3-1 victory in Los Angeles thanks to goals from Di Maria, Alexis Mac Allister and Lisandro Martinez.

Argentina's star man Messi was absent from both friendlies due to injury, but Scaloni has revealed that the 36-year-old is one of only two players assured of a place in his Copa America squad.

Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts on November 16, 2023© Reuters

Speaking after the win over Costa Rica, Scaloni told reporters: "In the world of football, one never knows. Guaranteeing a spot in the Copa America to none of those present here.

"Only to the one who didn't come [Messi], the rest sweat it out. Well, 'El Fideo' [Di Maria] too. He also has it guaranteed."

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho will be among those who will be desperate to represent the World Cup winners at the Copa America this summer.

After featuring as a substitute for his first four international appearances, Garnacho was given the opportunity to start in Tuesday's 3-1 victory.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni reacts on November 22, 2023© Reuters

Scaloni offered praise to Garnacho as well as goalkeeper Walter Benitez and attacking midfielder Valentin Carboni, who both made their international debuts in Los Angeles.

"I'm happy for Walter," Scaloni added. "He played a good game, the truth is that the game was not easy and we are happy.

"The same as Garnacho and Carboni. They are guys who can contribute to us, and we will see in the future if they will be with us."

Argentina will begin the defence of their Copa America trophy against Canada on June 20, before they wrap up the group stage with games against Chile and Peru.

ID:539852:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3976:

Click here for more stories about Lionel Scaloni

Click here for more stories about Argentina

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho on November 29, 2023
Read Next:
Man Utd's Garnacho 'to start first Argentina game against Costa Rica'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Packers
@
Bears
6pm
Raiders
@
Dolphins
6pm
Colts
@
Jets
6pm
Jags
@
Lions
6pm
Rams
@
Patriots
6pm
Browns
@
Saints
6pm
Ravens
@
Steelers
6pm
Vikings
@
Titans
9.05pm
Seahawks
@
49ers
9.05pm
Falcons
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Chiefs
@
Bills
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!