LOS ANGELES — Five-time world player of the year Lionel Messi of Argentina, Chile’s Alexis Sanchez and Brazilian Dani Alves were among the big names in the final rosters announced Monday for next month’s Copa America Centenario.
Sixteen teams will be competing on United States soil in the 100th anniversary of soccer’s oldest international championship and each of them has submitted a squad of 23 players.
Messi heads a powerful roster for Argentina, which will launch its bid for a 15th championship title in Group D play against defending champion Chile on June 6 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Arsenal striker Sanchez, Chile’s second-most capped player after goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and a veteran of two World Cups, will be representing his country in his third Copa America.
Right back Alves, one of the most decorated footballers of all time in European club competition, is part of a Brazil lineup that will be seeking a ninth victory in the South American championship.
Other notable names in the final rosters announced Monday included Michael Bradley of the United States, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez of Mexico and James Rodriguez of Colombia.
The tournament will start on June 3 when host the United States takes on Colombia in Group A at Levi’s Stadium before Brazil launches Group B play the following day against Ecuador at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Mexico gets its campaign underway in a tough Group C against 15-time winner Uruguay at University of Phoenix Stadium at Glendale, Arizona.
The final of the prestigious tournament will be held on June 26 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Expanded by four teams, the Copa America is being staged this year outside the South American CONMEBOL nations for the first time.
Suarez expected to make Copa
Luis Suarez is expected to travel to the United States to join Uruguay’s national team for the Copa America, though he is likely to miss the start of the tournament because of a hamstring injury.
Barcelona said tests Monday confirmed that Suarez sustained a right-leg muscle injury in the Copa del Rey final against Sevilla Sunday.
The club said the striker will begin his rehabilitation in Barcelona before joining the Uruguayan squad on June 1 in the United States, where “he’ll continue with the second phase of his recovery.”
The Uruguay team doctor said Suarez’s recovery will take “about three weeks.”
“We think that in 10 days he will have recovered partially and will be able to start working on the field when he joins us in the United States,”
national team doctor Alberto Pan said. Under this scenario, Suarez could be available to play in the team’s third group-stage game.
