Copa America 2024: Who Are the Top 10 Players Ready to Shine?

10. Federico Valverde

Uruguay's second talent checks in on this list with Federico Valverde, a premier talent who may be the hardest worker in the world. Since becoming a regular starter for the club two seasons ago, Valverde has been the engine of Real Madrid's midfield. He will be looking to continue to build chemistry and link-up play with Nunez.

More Soccer: Where to Watch Euro 2024 Matchday 1 With Odds

2. Lionel Messi

Once the best player in the world, 36-year-old Lionel Messi is still among the elites in the sport. His struggles to succeed internationally were well-documented throughout his career until he led Argentina to triumph at the previous Copa America and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The lessened pressure may free Messi up to enjoy himself at this tournament and provide him with the typical dynamism for Argentina. It will be fascinating to see his workload levels in the congested format.

3. Lautaro Martinez

Martinez is a legend in his own right out in Italy, an icon for Inter Milan over the past six seasons in Serie A. A top talent at this year's Copa America, he will look to be Messi's right-hand man on Argentina's quest to be kings of South America for a record 16th time.

4. Alisson

The Liverpool man has been one of the top goalkeepers in the world for some time now. In his 62 starts between the posts for Brazil, he has allowed just 14 goals. He is undoubtedly the top keeper entering this tournament and should give the Brazilian backline the confidence it needs to convert a clean sheet or two in the competition.

5. Julian Alvarez

Our third member of the Argentinian attack clocks in at the fifth spot with Julian Alvarez. The 24-year-old worked his way into Manchester City's world-class starting lineup this past season, notching 19 goal contributions across 31 starts in the Premier League. His spark is unmatched as a key cog to their goal-scoring prowess after scoring four in six matches for Argentina en route to winning the World Cup in 2022.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

6. Christian Pulisic

Captain America will lead the United States in just its third appearance in Copa America since 1997. The U.S. has never finished higher than fourth place in this event, but this feels like their best chance to eclipse that with one of their best squads of all-time.

7. Darwin Nunez

While Nunez has not quite lived up to the expectations on the club side of things for Liverpool, he has been nothing short of an absolute monster for Uruguay in international play. He resembles a modern version of Edinson Cavani, and he has the Uruguayans dreaming of winning a 16th Copa America. A victory would break their tie for most titles in the competition with Argentina. 

8. Bruno Guimaraes

Guimaraes may be slightly distracted this summer with his club future up in the air at Newcastle, but the quality he provides for Brazil is unquestioned. He has recently cracked into the starting lineup and should see plenty of run for the Canary Squad this summer.

More Copa: Ranking the Top 5 US Players

9. Rodrygo

Rodrygo is part of Real Madrid's top group of younger players, who will be the next generation of talent for Los Blancos. He has incredible technical ability and feel off the wing and should be just another piece of the puzzle for a stacked Brazil team this year.

More Soccer: Ranking Top 10 Stars at Euro 2024

10. Federico Valverde

Uruguay's second talent checks in on this list with Federico Valverde, a premier talent who may be the hardest worker in the world. Since becoming a regular starter for the club two seasons ago, Valverde has been the engine of Real Madrid's midfield. He will be looking to continue to build chemistry and link-up play with Nunez.

More Soccer: Where to Watch Euro 2024 Matchday 1 With Odds