Argentina's Copa America 2021 Squad: Full List & Analysis

Alright, football fanatics, let's dive deep into Argentina's squad for the 2021 Copa America! This tournament was a massive deal for Argentina, especially with the hopes of ending their trophy drought and, of course, seeing Lionel Messi lift a major international trophy with his nation. So, who were the chosen warriors that Lionel Scaloni, the manager, entrusted to bring glory back to Argentina? Let's break it down, position by position, and analyze the key players and the overall strategy.

Goalkeepers

When it comes to goalkeepers, having reliable hands is crucial, and Argentina's selection reflected just that. Emiliano Martínez emerged as the undisputed number one, and rightfully so. His performances leading up to the tournament were nothing short of spectacular. Martínez, or "Dibu" as he’s fondly known, brought a sense of security and confidence to the Argentinian defense that had been missing for quite some time. His shot-stopping ability is top-notch, and his command of the penalty area is genuinely impressive. He was coming off a fantastic season with Aston Villa in the English Premier League, where he made save after save, earning him accolades and the trust of the national team.

Behind Martínez, Franco Armani provided experienced cover. Armani, a veteran goalkeeper with River Plate, is known for his consistency and composure. He’s been around the block, seen it all, and his presence in the squad offered a calming influence. While he might not have been the first choice, his experience was invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations. He was always ready to step in if needed, bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the team. The third goalkeeper, Juan Musso, rounded out the selection. Musso, playing his club football in Italy, is a promising young talent with a bright future. His inclusion in the squad was a nod to the future, giving him a chance to learn from the experienced heads like Martínez and Armani. While he wasn't expected to play a significant role, being part of the squad was a great learning experience for him.

Defenders

A solid defense is the backbone of any successful team, and Argentina's defensive lineup for the 2021 Copa America aimed to provide just that. The central defensive pairing often featured Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi. Romero, who was relatively new to the squad, quickly established himself as a key player. His aggressive style, combined with his excellent reading of the game, made him a formidable opponent for any striker. Otamendi, on the other hand, brought experience and a no-nonsense approach to the defense. He’s the kind of player who gives his all in every game, and his leadership at the back was crucial for Argentina.

On the flanks, Nicolás Tagliafico and Marcos Acuña provided width and defensive stability. Tagliafico, a reliable left-back, is known for his work rate and defensive awareness. He’s solid in the tackle and provides a decent outlet going forward. Acuña, also capable of playing as a winger, offers more attacking thrust from the left-back position. His energy and ability to deliver crosses made him a valuable asset. Other notable defenders in the squad included Lucas Martínez Quarta, who provided cover in central defense, and Gonzalo Montiel, who added depth at right-back. This defensive unit was a blend of youth and experience, aggression and composure, all working together to protect Argentina's goal.

Midfielders

The midfield is where games are often won and lost, and Argentina's midfield for the 2021 Copa America was a mix of creativity, grit, and tactical awareness. Giovani Lo Celso was a key figure in midfield, bringing creativity and flair to the team. His ability to pick a pass and drive forward with the ball made him a constant threat. Alongside him, Leandro Paredes provided steel and defensive cover. Paredes is a tough-tackling midfielder who breaks up play and keeps things ticking over. His presence allowed the more creative players to express themselves freely.

Rodrigo De Paul was another vital cog in the midfield machine. De Paul is known for his energy, work rate, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. He’s the kind of player who runs all day, covering every blade of grass. Guido Rodríguez added further defensive steel to the midfield. Rodríguez is a specialist defensive midfielder who shields the back four and wins back possession. His inclusion in the squad provided Scaloni with tactical flexibility, allowing him to switch between different formations and strategies. Exequiel Palacios and Nicolás Domínguez were also part of the midfield setup, offering different qualities and options for the coach. Palacios is a technically gifted player with an eye for goal, while Domínguez is a dynamic midfielder who can contribute in both phases of play. This midfield selection gave Argentina a good balance of creativity, energy, and defensive solidity.

Forwards

Ah, the forwards! This is where the magic happens, and Argentina's attacking lineup for the 2021 Copa America was brimming with talent, spearheaded, of course, by Lionel Messi. Messi, the captain and talisman, was the main man, the one everyone looked to for inspiration. His dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring ability are simply unmatched. He carried the hopes of a nation on his shoulders, and everyone was eager to see him finally lift a major trophy with Argentina.

Lautaro Martínez was Messi's strike partner, forming a dynamic duo that caused headaches for opposing defenses. Martínez is a clinical finisher with a hunger for goals. His partnership with Messi was a key feature of Argentina's attacking play. Ángel Di María, a veteran winger, provided experience and guile. Di María is known for his pace, trickery, and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses. His presence in the squad added a different dimension to Argentina's attack. Sergio Agüero, another experienced striker, was also included in the squad. Agüero, despite his injury struggles, is a proven goal scorer and his inclusion provided valuable depth. Nicolás González and Joaquín Correa added further options in attack. González is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions, while Correa is a skillful winger with an eye for goal. With Messi leading the line, supported by a talented cast of forwards, Argentina's attack was a force to be reckoned with.

The Winning Formula

The Argentina Copa America squad list 2021 was a carefully constructed blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents, all united by the common goal of bringing glory back to their nation. Led by Lionel Messi, this squad had the perfect mix of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower. And as history shows, they did exactly that, finally ending Argentina's long wait for a major trophy. The 2021 Copa America will forever be remembered as the tournament where Messi finally lifted that elusive trophy with Argentina, and this squad will always be celebrated for their contribution to that historic triumph.

Key Takeaways:

• Goalkeeping Stability: Emiliano Martínez’s emergence as a top-class goalkeeper provided Argentina with much-needed stability.
• Defensive Partnership: The partnership of Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi brought aggression and experience to the defense.
• Midfield Balance: The midfield, with players like Lo Celso, Paredes, and De Paul, offered a perfect blend of creativity and defensive cover.
• Attacking Prowess: Lionel Messi, supported by Lautaro Martínez and Ángel Di María, led a formidable attack.

So, there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at the Argentina Copa America squad list 2021. This team was not just a collection of talented individuals; they were a cohesive unit, driven by a shared dream. And they achieved that dream, etching their names in Argentinian football history forever. What a team, what a tournament!