Copa America is likely one of the most demanding cup competitions on the planet, each bodily and psychologically. It begins with psychological warfare in press conferences and extends effectively into the pitch, with contestants doing every thing of their energy to unsettle opponents. Moreover, there’s the load of expectations, with each fan asking their nation’s heroes to ship the products on the grandest continental stage.
Youthful gamers are likely to cherish these competitions, as they’ve rather more left to show. Many older gamers, in the meantime, take a backseat, retiring from worldwide obligation and channeling their power towards membership soccer. Fortunately for us followers, there are exceptions — veterans who’re nonetheless up for a battle even within the twilight years of their careers.
Listed below are 5 such warriors who’ve turned up for his or her nations in Copa America 2024:
Knowledge: The dataset right here from Transfermarkt shows the gamers’ ages of their final match of the competitors.
#5 Lionel Messi (Argentina): 37 years 01 days
Simply the star attraction of Copa America 2024, Argentina chief and legend Lionel Messi was 37 years and 01 days previous when he took to the sphere within the 1-0 win over Chile on June 25. The Inter Miami star performed a fantastic recreation, finishing essentially the most dribbles (7), creating essentially the most probabilities (5), and hitting the woodwork as soon as. Sadly, Messi was not match to function in Argentina’s remaining Group A recreation towards Peru on June 29. However La Albiceleste managed to maintain up the great work, bagging a thumping 2-0 win courtesy of a brace from Lautaro Martinez.
Messi’s heroics for Argentina don’t want rehashing. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has guided his nation to the Copa America in addition to the FIFA World Cup, ending because the Participant of the Match on each events. He has donned the nationwide jersey in 184 matches, scoring 108 occasions and offering 58 assists. The maverick has but to attain in Copa America 2024, however we count on it to vary when Argentina lock horns with Ecuador within the quarter-finals on Thursday evening (July 4).
#4 Alexander Dominguez (Ecuador): 37 years 25 days
Ecuador’s first-choice goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez was 37 years and 25 days previous when he took to the sphere within the goalless draw with Mexico on June 30. Regardless of being in his twilight years, he has been in stellar type in Copa America 2024, making 9 saves, delivering 13 correct lengthy balls, retaining one clear sheet, and conceding three targets in three video games. Had it not been for his reflexes and management, Ecuador wouldn’t have certified for the quarter-finals of this extremely aggressive Copa America 2024.
Dominguez, who made his debut for Ecuador on March 26, 2011, has performed 77 worldwide matches, retaining 31 clear sheets and conceding 76 targets.
#3 Luis Suarez (Uruguay): 37 years 05 months 07 days
One in all Lionel Messi’s closest mates and a pacesetter of Argentine’s fiercest rivals in Copa America, Uruguay star Luis Suarez was 37 years, 05 months, and 07 days when he took to the sphere for the Group C conflict towards america on July 1. The Inter Miami ace, who has misplaced his place to in-form striker Darwin Nunez, got here off the bench within the 89th minute for a short cameo.
It’s no shock to see Suarez warming the Uruguayan bench in Copa America 2024, as his glory days are firmly behind him. Nonetheless, when push involves shove, the veteran marksman can nonetheless pop up with a purpose or two, as he has proven within the Main League Soccer (MLS). It is going to be fascinating to see if he will get the possibility when Uruguay meet Brazil within the quarter-finals this weekend.
Suarez has performed 140 video games for Uruguay in his illustrious profession, scoring 68 occasions. He guided his nation to the Copa America in 2011, chipping in with 4 targets and two assists in six matches.
#2 Paolo Guerrero (Peru): 40 years 05 months 28 days
In Peru’s remaining Group A recreation, they took on the mighty Argentina. They may not put up a lot of a battle, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat. However it was a milestone recreation for center-forward Paulo Guerrero, who turned the oldest outfield participant to play in Copa America 2024.
Aged 40 years, 05 months, and 28 days, Guerrero partnered with 30-year-old Edison Flores in assault. The veteran tried to make issues occur within the remaining third however Argentine defenders lined him effectively sufficient, prompting Peru coach Jorge Fossati to take him off within the 57th minute.
Guerrero has performed 123 video games for Peru in his profession, scoring 40 targets and offering 14 assists.
#1 Claudio Bravo (Chile): 41 years 02 months 12 days
Comfortably the oldest participant to play in Copa America 2024, Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was 41 years, 02 months, and 12 days previous when he represented his nation of their Group A gathering with Argentina on June 25. The previous Manchester Metropolis goalkeeper carried out splendidly within the match, making a complete of eight saves. Sadly, he couldn’t end with a clear sheet, as Lautaro Martinez’s strike escaped his grasp within the 88th minute.
Bravo, who has performed 150 video games for Chile, has stored 58 clear sheets, successful the Copa America twice.
