Copa America 2024: Why has Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni ignored Four World Cup 2022 Champions from Copa America Squad?

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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has announced a 29-man preliminary squad for the Copa America 2024, which will be played in USA in June.

Argentina are the defending champions of Copa America, after winning the continental glory in 2021. They are also the current World Champions following their triumph in the FIFA World Cup 2022.

But as Scaloni has named his 29-man squad, four players who lifted the World Cup in Qatar haven't found a place in the team. Defender Juan Foyth, striker Alejandro Gomez, Thiago Almada and Paulo Dybala are the absentees from Los Albicelestes team for the prestigious tournament.

Why Argentina hasn't picked the Four World Champions?

Juan Foyth's season has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 12 appearances for Villarreal, which is the reason why he is not in the team.

Alejandro Gomez faces a two-year ban following a failed drug test, sidelining him from international competitions.

Thiago Almada will be picked for the Olympics with the Argentina U23 team, a strategic move for the young talent.

The most unexpected omission, however, is Paulo Dybala. The 30-year-old has been in fine form for AS Roma, leaving many puzzled about his absence from Scaloni's list.

Argentina Pre-Copa America 2024 Squad

Despite these notable absences, the preliminary squad boasts a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars. Lionel Messi will be leading the line while some other big names are also going to don the shirt for them. They will play Ecuador and Honduras in two friendlies ahead of the start of the tournament. Take a look at the 29-man Argentina squad-

Goalkeepers: Franco Armani (River Plate), Geronimo Rulli (Ajax), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Nottingham Forest), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Marcos Acuna (Sevilla), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), German Pezzella (Real Betis), Lucas Martinez Quarta (Fiorentina), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Valentin Barco (Brighton)

Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham), Leandro Paredes (Roma), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Valentin Carboni (A.C. Monza), Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Nicolas Gonzalez (Fiorentina), Julian Alvarez (Manchester City), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)