Argentina is playing four warmup games for this summer’s Copa América 2024, meaning four more chances for people to see Inter Miami star Lionel Messi in action.
The best part: All four matches will be in the United States, which is competing as a guest and hosting for the second time (the first was in 2016 for the 100th anniversary). Messi and Argentina kick off the competition June 20 against either Canada or Trinidad and Tobago.
Here’s what we know: There will be two friendlies in March and two in June — less than 10 days before the opening match in Atlanta.
Argentina vs. El Salvador at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, March 22.
Argentina vs. Costa Rica at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, March 26.
Argentina vs. Ecuador at Soldier Field in Chicago, June 9.
Argentina vs. Guatemala at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, June 14.
Consider it tentative: Although Argentina has announced its plans, the venues have not yet formally announced the matches.
Broadcast information and kickoff times will be announced in the coming months. American Express early access tickets will be available Friday at 10 a.m. local time, while seats for the general public will be available March 4 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster for Chicago, and Seat Geek for D.C.
Messi is expected to join Argentina, the reigning 2021 Copa América and 2022 World Cup champions, for the friendlies. Argentina still will need to select him during both of the FIFA international windows, but Messi said last year his focus was on getting to the tournament fit to play.
Which Inter Miami games will Messi miss for Copa América 2024?
If Messi plays in the friendlies, he would definitely miss Inter Miami’s road game against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on March 23, but he could play twice more in the New York area later this year. If all goes well, Messi could return in time for Inter Miami’s March 30 home game against New York FC.
Messi would miss at least five Inter Miami matches this summer if Argentina reaches the Copa América final again. The potential matches: June 15 at Philadelphia Union; June 19 vs. Columbus Crew; June 29 at Nashville; July 3 at Charlotte FC; and July 6 at FC Cincinnati.
When will Messi play in Copa América?
Here is Argentina’s Copa América schedule:
Argentina will play in the tournament opener against Canada or Trinidad and Tobago on June 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Argentina’s second match is against Chile on June 25 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Argentina will also play Peru on June 29 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The Copa America final will be held at the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins on July 14.