Copa América 2024 guide: Messi's title defense, underdogs to watch - ESPN

Copa América, South America's continental competition, has kicked off in the United States for the second time after it hosted in 2016. There are plenty of storylines, from World Cup champions Lionel Messi and Argentina defending their title, the USMNT using this as a warmup for the 2026 World Cup which it will co-host, and Brazil looking to rediscover their form.

As we prepare for the next few weeks of packed action from the Americas, let's dive deeper into some of things that we can look forward to, including the rivalries, star and key players and why this particular edition comes with multiple talking points.

On Monday, Messi will turn 37. It's no secret that he is in the final chapter of his illustrious career. In an interview with ESPN, the Argentine talisman said Inter Miami will be the last club he plays for. Copa América is the chance to win a third straight major title with Argentina and create more memories with the national team after winning the 2021 Copa and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

But will it also be his curtain call on the international stage in a major tournament? Who knows.

In fact, Messi himself is unsure of the future, which includes his participation in the next World Cup. «It depends on how I feel, how I am physically and being realistic with myself,» he said in an interview with Infobae. «And to know if I am up to the task of being able to compete and help the teammates next to me.»

Sebastian Salazar and Herculez Gomez make their picks for dark horses at Copa America 2024.

Speaking on defending the Copa title, Messi said «It's going to get harder and harder for us — nothing is going to be easy for us,» Messi said last week. «But we're going to try again.»

He's right. It won't be easy, because