Former Manchester United star Tim Howard made his prediction for the ‘dark horse’ nation and the winner of the 2024 Copa America tournament in the United States.
World Cup champions Argentina won the last Copa America competition in 2021 with a 1-0 win over then-host nation Brazil in the final.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni followed up the Copa America triumph by leading La Albiceleste to the World Cup trophy at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
The defending Copa America champions began their title defence at the 2024 tournament with a 2-0 win over Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium last week.
Argentina then secured a 1-0 win against Chile on Tuesday at the MetLife Stadium and punched their ticket to the quarter-finals of the Copa America.
Lionel Scaloni’s men are in control of Group A and are three points clear of Canada ahead of their match against Peru at the Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.
Howard makes 2024 Copa America predictions
Speaking in his column for The Daily Mail, Tim Howard has backed Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina side to emerge victorious at the 2024 Copa America.
However, the 45-year-old former Manchester United shot-stopper has named Colombia as ‘dark horses’ for the Copa America title.
Colombia are currently top of Group D after one match, with Nestor Lorenzo’s men picking up a 2-1 win over Paraguay at the tournament.
Howard’s dark horse pick will face Costa Rica on Friday before their showdown with Brazil on 3rd July.
The former Everton and United player believes that Liverpool star Luis Diaz will be the standout performer at this summer’s Copa America.
“He has starred for Liverpool but this is a chance for him to put a flag in the sand on the global stage,” Howard said.
Garnacho and Martinez away with Argentina
Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho were both called up to represent Argentina for their country’s Copa America title defence.
Alejandro Garnacho has been an unused substitute for the wins against Canada and Chile, with Scaloni revealing why the United star hasn’t played at the tournament.
Lisandro Martinez, on the other hand, has been a pivotal defensive figure for Argentina boss Scaloni at the Copa America.
The 26-year-old Argentine defender was partnered alongside Cristian Romero in the heart of defence against Canada and impressed with his performance.
Martinez, whose season at United was plagued with injuries, linked up with Cristian Romero again for the Chile match and earned high praise for his display.