The Copa America 2024 promises to be one of the most thrilling tournaments in recent memory. This year’s competition will feature an array of footballing talents who are set to light up the stage with their skills, goals, and game-changing performances.
Among them are seasoned veterans and emerging stars, each with their unique stories and achievements. Here are the key players you should keep an eye on during this electrifying event, perfect to follow along with a quick 20Bet login.
Endrick (Brazil)
Club: Palmeiras
Age: 17 (Turns 18 next month)
Position: Striker
Endrick has already made a name for himself as the youngest player to appear for Palmeiras, a club renowned for producing top-tier talent. Despite his youth, he has netted 21 goals in 82 appearances for his club. His international debut was nothing short of spectacular, scoring against England at Wembley. He continued his impressive form with goals against Spain and Mexico. As he approaches his 18th birthday, all eyes will be on this prodigious talent to see if he can continue his meteoric rise on one of the biggest stages in South American football.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Club: Inter Miami
Position: Forward
Lionel Messi needs no introduction. The Argentine magician has won virtually every accolade in the game, including the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup. Since his move to Inter Miami, Messi has shown he still has plenty of magic left in his boots, scoring 14 goals in 15 games in 2024. As one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi’s presence alone will elevate the tournament, and his performances could be crucial in Argentina’s quest for another title.
Kendry Paez (Ecuador)
Club: Chelsea (deal effective upon turning 18)
Age: 17 (turned 17 last month)
Position: Midfielder
Kendry Paez is another young talent to watch. Despite his age, he has already earned 8 caps for Ecuador and scored in a World Cup qualifier against Bolivia. Paez is part of Ecuador’s exciting new generation of players, which includes Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, and Willian Pacho. His impending move to Chelsea speaks volumes about his potential, and the Copa America could be the perfect platform for him to showcase his skills on an international level.
Santiago Gimenez (Mexico)
Club: Feyenoord
Age: 23
Position: Striker
Santiago Gimenez has been a goal machine for Feyenoord, scoring 23 goals in the 2022-23 season and 26 goals in the 2023-24 season. With 4 goals in 27 caps for Mexico, he is poised to become a central figure in Mexico’s attack. Gimenez’s ability to find the back of the net with consistency makes him a player to watch in the upcoming tournament. His performances could be the key to Mexico’s success in the competition.
Darwin Nunez (Uruguay)
Club: Liverpool
Age: 24
Position: Forward
Darwin Nunez has been in scintillating form for Liverpool, with 18 goals and 13 assists in the 2023-24 season. He has also been a standout performer in South America’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification phase, leading the scoring charts. Nunez’s hat-trick in a warm-up win over Mexico is a testament to his ability to change the course of a game single-handedly. Uruguay will be looking to him to provide the goals and inspiration needed to make a deep run in the Copa America.
Conclusion
The Copa America 2024 is set to be a showcase of some of the finest talents in football. From the seasoned brilliance of Lionel Messi to the youthful exuberance of Endrick and Kendry Paez, the tournament will feature a mix of experience and emerging talent. Santiago Gimenez and Darwin Nunez will also be key players to watch, each bringing their own style and flair to the competition.
