Copa America 2021: 5 players above the age of 30 who can dominate the tournament

Argentina v Ecuador - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022
Argentina v Ecuador - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022

#3 Thiago Silva (Brazil)

Brazil Training Session
Brazil Training Session

Like Edinson Cavani, Thiago Silva joined a Premier League giant on a free transfer after being released by Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Chelsea signed Silva and have reaped the rewards. The Brazil international was one of the best centre-backs in the league last season and was a starter in the Champions League final, with Chelsea beating Manchester City to clinch the trophy.

The 36-year old is regarded as one of the leaders in the Brazil dressing room and was part of the side which won Copa America in 2019. With 93 caps to his name, Silva's experience and quality will be key for Brazil at Copa America 2021.


#2 Luis Suarez (Uruguay)

Ecuador v Uruguay - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022
Ecuador v Uruguay - South American Qualifiers for Qatar 2022

Regarded by many as one of the greatest strikers of the modern generation, Luis Suarez enjoyed an incredible 2020/21 season with Atletico Madrid, with his performances leading Diego Simeone's men to the league title.

Having made his name as one of the best in the world at Liverpool, it was at Barcelona that Suarez established himself as one of the best strikers of this century. The Uruguay international made 283 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona and scored 198 goals, forming a potent attacking partnership with Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The 34-year old joined Atletico Madrid in controversial circumstances last summer. Uruguay boast two world-class strikers in their ranks in the form of Suarez and Cavani, and they will hope that the veteran forward duo lead them to success at Copa America 2021. Like Cavani, Suarez was part of the Uruguay side which won Copa America in 2011.


#1 Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Argentina v Chile - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier
Argentina v Chile - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier

Arguably the greatest player to have played the game, Lionel Messi will be desperate to leave his mark at the international stage with Argentina.

With Argentina, Lionel Messi has participated in three Copa America finals, losing all three. The 33-year old is under intense pressure to win something with his country, and his chances of doing so are rapidly dwindling given his age and the quality of players that other countries possess.

Messi's quality is undeniable, but his lack of success with Argentina has often led to criticism. With a strong support cast around him, the Barcelona star has a good chance of leading his country to a Copa America title this summer.


Also Read: 5 Cristiano Ronaldo records Lionel Messi might never break


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