Just a few hours remaining until the Copa America 2024 kicks off. 16 teams split across 4 groups will encounter each other in over 32 matches in the CONMEBOL-based tournament. Argentina will blaze the trail for a much-anticipated tournament, as they will be facing Group A rivals Canada on Thursday night. But the biggest question that is on everyone’s mind is whether star player Lionel Messi will start the opening game.

Earlier, there were some injury concerns raised regarding La Pulga. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case, as Lionel Messi will start against CanMNT. The Inter Miami star will look to keep up his fine form in the inaugural match. During Argentina’s last friendly tie against Guatemala, he scored a brace alongside Lautaro Martinez to end the game with a 4-1 victory. Prior to this, he didn’t start the game against Ecuador that Argentina had won by Angel Di Maria’s only strike. The 36-year-old showed signs of a decent attacking display.

Hence, a similar attitude is expected to be showcased in this summer tournament. Interestingly, not just Messi, even Argentina has exhibited good form since the World Cup, winning 13 out of 14 matches. Notably, after Canada, La Albiceleste will also face challenges from Peru and Chile. Should they pass the group stage with flying colors, then they shall maintain their balance, as there would be no room for mistakes. One wrong step and they will have to bid an early farewell to the 48th edition.

Nevertheless, Messi and Co. are expected to overcome any significant challenges, given that they are entering the tournament as World Champions. While Messi’s presence in the opening game is confirmed, which other players will join him in the starting XI?

Who will start with Lionel Messi for Argentina vs Canada?

Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez will surely retain his place between the sticks. Speaking of the back line, Lionel Scaloni shall look to deploy a strong base. With veteran Nicolas Otamendi not invited to the U.S., Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez will shoulder the responsibility of defense. Meanwhile,  usual faces, Nahuel Molina and Marcos Acuna, are looking forward to taking up the full-back positions.

For midfield, Scaloni has a lot of options but is expected to stick with Leonardo Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul. But it would be interesting to see who will be the third midfielder among names like Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister. Finally for the attack, aside from Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez will take up the No. 9 role, with Nicolas Gonzalez expected to start over Angel Di Maria.

Of course, it’s important for Lionel Scaloni to use as many players as he can during the month-long tournament to avoid fatigue. Nonetheless, the best is expected from the 2020 winners as they defend their title.