Messi, Valverde, Diaz, Vinicius – who will take home the award?

South America is known for producing some of football’s finest ever players and the Copa America will see some of the best current stars go head-to-head.

The 2024 tournament kicks off in a matter of days, with favourites Argentina and Brazil boasting squads packed with brilliant players.

But that is not where the talent ends, with some of Europe’s finest performers last season also representing their respective nations in the United States.

Read on as we pick out the contenders to take home the prize of the Copa America 2024’s Golden Ball – the award handed to the best player at the tournament.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

There can only be one place to start, with Lionel Messi surely still capable of producing more heroics for Argentina.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or has inspired La Albiceleste to two conseucitve tournament wins at the 2021 Copa America and then the 2022 World Cup.

Despite since leaving European football in favour of a switch to Inter Miami, the 36-year-old still skippers Lionel Scaloni’s team and will play a key role out in the USA.

If Argentina are to complete a third successive triumph, you can be sure their superstar forward will be heavily involved.

Vinicius Jr (Brazil)

After winning the Champions League and LaLiga with Real Madrid last season, glory in the Copa America with Brazil may just clinch the Ballon d’Or for Vinicius Jr.

That is unlikely to be the winger’s priority at the tournament but he undoubtedly has the Selecao’s hopes pinned on his shoulders.

Poster boy in the past Neymar is out of the tournament with injury, meaning the 25-year-old will be Tite’s talisman in attack.

And with 35 goals involvements for Los Blancos last season, it is hard to think of another player who comes into the tournament in better form.

Llegó el mes de la CONMEBOL Copa América™ 💫 pic.twitter.com/fXzCdDguCV

— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) June 1, 2024

Luis Diaz (Colombia)

Colombia are backed to surprise a few…

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Author : Cian Cheesbrough

Publish date : 2024-06-20 08:00:16

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