Argentina go back-to-back at Copa America 2024

It has been an unprecedented period of success for Argentina, who bagged the 2021 Copa America title before backing it up in emphatic fashion at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Inevitably then, they were the comfortable favourites to go all the way once again at 2024 Copa America, with many sports betting sites the world over.

With the tournament being held in the United States and the collaboration of teams from both North and South America in the 16-team tournament once again, there was vigorous interest in the tournament from many sports betting sites in Canada and the United States.

Whilst tournament hosts United States bombed in the group stages and Canada produced a stunning run to reach the semi-finals, it was ultimately Argentina who came good once again in the competition, winning the Copa America title for a 16th time.

As with any major tournament win, Argentina had to show mettle and resolve in equal measure to get over the line, but it was once again a huge story of success for Lionel Scaloni’s side, as they overcame Colombia in a frenetic final in Miami.

The cyclical nature of football sees the club game back on the agenda within days and weeks but with Argentina fast becoming the most consistent international football team on the planet, another Copa America win makes them early favourites for the 2026 World Cup – also held in the United States, where they will be looking to defend their title.

But for the time being, they are basking in the glory of yet another major tournament win, as Copa America continues to fight for its status amongst the great footballing competitions on the planet.

The Winning Habit

Major tournament success is always hard earned, and Argentina have been moulded into a winning machine in recent times.

With Lionel Messi leading the line, clearly Argentina have one of the very best individual players on the planet, but their collective endeavours have what has been the telling factor in getting them over the line in Copa America once again.

The shock loss to Saudi Arabia at the of the start of the 2022 World Cup is the only blemish for Argentina in the last three tournaments and once again here in America, they used their mental strength during extra time and penalties at many stages to get the job done.

Unsung heroes such as Nicolas Otamendi and Giovani Lo Celso are the perfect metaphor for the team environment Argentina have showed throughout the 2024 Copa America campaign and they will be looking to continue that ahead of a 2026 World Cup campaign that is now less than two years away.

Messi the Marvel

Few sport stars carry the global appeal of Lionel Messi and with the Argentine great now plying his trade in the United States with Inter Miami, his presence within the game remains as strong as it ever was.

It felt as if he may have been carrying an injury here at Copa America and his haul of just 1 goal in the tournament, would suggest that the 37-year-old hasn’t been fully fit.

He was visibly upset to have been withdrawn in the final against Colombia, with an ankle injury seemingly the reason for his departure from the field of play, in what could be speculated as being his final appearance at the Copa America.

A World Cup in 2026 looks to be firmly within the grasp of Messi, who remains as potent as ever and he joined in the celebrations with his team mates once again, but it may well be the last time the great man participates in a Copa America and once again, he bows out on the winning side.

Brazilian Problems

A limp penalties loss to Croatia at the 2022 World Cup still rankles with plenty of the Brazilian footballing landscape and a repeat showing was served up here at Copa America.

Managing to win just one game in the group stages, Brazil drew with Costa Rica and Colombia in their pool, before being knocked out of the competition by Uruguay – again by spot kicks.

Clearly there are issues within the Brazilian camp and seeing their arch rivals Argentina lift the 2024 Copa America title will hurt even more but they know that they have plenty of work to do ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.