Messi, Martinez and Other Early Contenders for 2024 Copa America Player of the Tournament

• Defending champions, Argentina, progressed to the knockout stage of the 2024 Copa America after beating Chile 1-0
• The South American Championship goes straight to the last eight from the groups, with only 16 teams competing
• Lionel Messi and some other players have stood out and emerged as early favourites for the Most Valuable Player crown

Reigning champions, Argentina, became the first team to reach the knockout stage of the 2024 Copa America after beating Chile 1-0 to have six maximum points in Group A.

Canada, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Uruguay are the other teams that have secured qualification for the next round. They all battle to displace the defending champions.

It has taken a little while for some players to stand out as early contenders to be named the best player at the tournament, if their nations have a deep run in the competition.

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Sports Brief looks at the early contenders for 2024 Copa America’s MVP.

Early contenders for Copa America MVP

1. James Rodriguez

The former Real Madrid midfielder, who is currently playing club football in Brazil, is one of the star men for Colombia, who are on a 25-game unbeaten streak. He is defying his age and, at 36, is next to Messi as one of the tournament’s most creative players, with three assists in two games.

2. Darwin Nunez

The Liverpool forward has found a new life with the national team under legendary tactician, Marcelo Bielsa. He has two goals in two games in the competition so far. As noted by PL Stats, he has scored in all his last seven games for the 15-time champions.

3. Lautaro Martinez

The Inter Milan captain was heavily criticised for his performance for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In this year's Copa, he has been leading his country's title defence charge with four goals in three games, including wins against Chile and Peru.

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4. Emiliano Martinez

Dibu, as he is fondly referred to, was named the 2021 edition’s best goalkeeper at his first major outing, helping Messi win his first international title. He has featured in all three games this year, keeping clean sheets in all and making vital saves in each.

5. Lionel Messi

Messi has been named the player of the tournament twice, in 2016 and 2021. Though he is yet to find his rhythm in goal-scoring at this year's edition, he has stood out with his creativity. He has created six big chances in two games, including five against Chile, a record for a single match in the competition, as noted by Sofascore.

Messi denied Olimpico by Claudio Bravo

Sports Brief reported on Claudio Bravo denying Lionel Messi an Olimpico goal with a brilliant save during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Chile in the group stage of 2024 Copa America.

The two veterans were former teammates at Spanish club, Barcelona, and captains of their respective countries in what could be their final outings at continental tournaments.