Weston McKennie Joins Ongoing Euro-Copa America Debate to Criticize CONMEBOL Tournament’s Lack of ‘Quality’

The Copa America 2024 kick-started last night with Argentina picking up a 2-0 win over Canada. However, the game came with its fair share of criticism, as many players were not happy with the quality of the infrastructure. Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez seemed very displeased with the preparations, considering the United States was hosting a major tournament after such a long time.

Well, Martinez is not the only player who’s dissatisfied with the quality at the Copa America, with USMNT star, Weston McKennie, also questioning the preparation by his country. The Juventus star talked with The Athletic ahead of the team’s opening game against Bolivia, claiming he has no qualms with the Argentine goalkeeper’s opinion.

Weston McKennie stated, “I think what Martinez said was completely true. It’s frustrating, especially as a player. You know, whenever you do come here to America, you play in a stadium that can fit 70,000 people but 25,000 show up. You don’t really have an atmosphere. And then you’re playing on a football field, with laid grass that’s all patchy, and it breaks up every step you take. It’s frustrating.”

Well, the Juventus star’s worries are understandable, with many experts and players questioning the state of infrastructure during the tournament. Most players in the top flight are used to playing under natural grass. Playing on turfs presents new challenges, as the pitches are a lot unsafer and unpredictable for the players.

Emiliano Martinez blasts US Federation’s preparation for Copa America 2024

The Argentine goalkeeper was fuming following his team’s win over Canada as he accused the US Federation of risking players. Martinez claimed it looked like the authorities had done this knowingly to present challenges for the away teams. The Aston Villa shot-stopper stated, “The pitch was a disaster; they put sod on top of synthetic turf, and it felt like a trampoline every time we received the ball. That’s when you realize the obstacles they put in our way, but we are a team that keeps going, going, and going.”

Despite the challenge, Martinez had a good night between the posts, as the goalkeeper kept a clean sheet. While he wasn’t tested much, the Argentine made two crucial saves in the game that saw his team comfortably pick up the win. The goalkeeper also played a big role in playing the ball from the back as completed 88% of his passes, allowing the team to freely play into the opposition’s half without worrying about the poor ground conditions.