Messi, Suarez and Other Top Stars Who Could Feature at Last Copa America in 2024

Messi, Suarez and Other Top Stars Who Could Feature at Last Copa America in 2024

Elijah Odetokun
updated at June 13, 2024 at 1:04 PM
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L.Messi
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L.Suárez
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A. Sánchez
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Neymar
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  • Angel Di Maria has confirmed that the 2024 Copa America in Miami will be his last international tournament
  • The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has won every competition he played in for the Argentina national team
  • He is not the only ageing player who could feature on the international stage for the last time at the Copa

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Angel Di Maria will wear Argentina's blue and white colours for the last time at the 2024 Copa America after confirming he will step aside from the national team in July.

Di Maria scored the lone goal to help La Albiceleste win the 2021 edition at the expense of Brazil, his first international trophy for the national team alongside Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi, Moises Caicedo, Rodrigo De Paul, Argentina, Ecuador, Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois.
Lionel Messi and Moises Caicedo exchange words as Rodrigo De Paul holds the Chelsea star during Argentina's 1-0 win over Ecuador at Soldier Field on June 9, 2024. Photo by Michael Miller.
Source: Getty Images

The South American Championship will bid farewell to some of their top stars at the tournament in the United States, even though most of them have not confirmed the news.

Sports Brief looks at the top stars, who are most likely playing their last Copa this year.

Top stars playing their last Copa America in 2024

1. Lionel Messi

Every interview these days asks him about retirement, and even though he remains tight-lipped about it, Messi is heading to the tournament possibly as his last on the continental stage. He told ESPN Argentina that he has yet to decide whether to feature at the 2026 World Cup or not, but with the next Copa in four years, he could be playing his last.

2. Luis Suarez

According to FIFA.com, Suarez initially thought his last international game was the 2-0 win over Ghana at the 2022 World Cup, but he returned under Marcelo Bielsa. He was named in Uruguay's squad for the Copa, which would undoubtedly be his last major tournament.

3. Alexis Sanchez

The veteran striker won the Copa America in 2015 and 2016. Though he is in the twilight of his career, he was named in Chile's squad for the 2024 edition. In the next four years, he will be 39 and won't be considered for selection.

4. James Rodriguez

Rodriguez could still play for Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At 36, he could play at the next Copa, considering the longevity of South American stars, but his dwindling club career could rule him out of consideration in the next four years.

5. Alisson Becker

The Liverpool goalkeeper is Brazil's number one goalkeeper, but he may not be for long as he has been under criticism recently for his performances. There are rumours linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia. At 31, such a move could spell the end of his international career.

6. Neymar Jr

When Brazil won the Copa America in 2019, he missed the tournament through injury. He suffered an ACL injury in December and was ruled out of this year's tournament. He will be 35 in 2028, and unless he is still at the top of his game, which he hasn't in years, he may have played his final Copa.

Other notable names

7. David Ospina

8. Claudio Bravo

9. Arturo Vidal

10. Gary Medel

11. Hernan Galindez

Martinez drops Messi's retirement hint

Sports Brief reported on Lisandro Martinez dropping Messi's retirement hint as the world champions prepare to defend their Copa America title in Miami.

The Manchester United defender claimed that none of his teammates thought it could be the final major tournament their captain could go to, and they felt relaxed.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.