Argentina is the clear favorite (-275) to beat Canada in the Copa America semifinals on Tuesday. La Albiceleste finished first in their group after beating Canada 2-0, Chile 1-0, and Peru 2-0. They were not at their best against Ecuador in the quarterfinals, but they still won that game on penalties.

Manager Lionel Scaloni will now need to rally his troops for this game against Canada, which is unbeaten in three games since losing to Argentina on Matchday 1. Lionel Messi has still not scored at this tournament, and he will be desperate to end that goal drought, so the Canadians will need to defend valiantly on Tuesday. This guide breaks down Argentina’s key strengths and weaknesses, its Copa America odds, and how to bet on La Albiceleste at the tournament this summer.

Argentina’s odds to win the 2024 Copa America

Sportsbooks are currently offering odds of for Argentina to win this year’s Copa America. Lionel Scaloni’s team secured 11 wins in 12 games after winning the World Cup in December 2022.

However, Brazil also boasts an exceptionally strong squad. That is reflected in Copa America betting markets, as some sportsbooks are offering just on the Brazilians to win this tournament. Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico, and the USMNT are all dangerous too, so this will not be a slam-dunk for Argentina.

• Argentina’s odds to win Copa America:
• Argentina’s odds to reach the final:

Argentina vs. Ecuador odds & betting preview

Argentina continues its Copa America tournament against Ecuador. Lines and odds are available below.

Other ways to bet on Argentina

Soccer betting sites will provide a variety of options for betting on every Copa America game featuring Argentina. Here are some of the more popular ones:

Moneyline

A simple bet on the result of a game featuring Argentina. For example, Argentina is to beat Canada in its opening game of the tournament, while Canada is a underdog.

Handicap (spread)

This can be a useful soccer betting option if Argentina is the heavy favorite to win a particular game. For example, this is one of the handicap lines available on the La Albiceleste’s opening match:

• Argentina -1.5 (-115)
• Canada +1.5 (+103)

If you think Argentina will win by two or more goals, you can back it to cover the -1.5 handicap. You would have a chance at a larger potential profit in return for taking on a greater level of risk. Alternatively, you could bet on Canada +1.5 if you think the Canadians can win, draw (tie), or only lose by a single goal.

Total goals

A simple over/under bet on how many goals will be scored in a game. You can also bet on the exact goals that will be scored in the game, over/under on how many goals Argentina will score, or over/under on how many goals will be scored in a particular half.

Both teams to score

This is a straightforward yes/no bet on both teams to find the back of the net. It is often combined with over 2.5 goals to form a simple same-game parlay.

Additional betting options

Sportsbooks will offer hundreds of betting options on a single soccer game. These are some of the other ones to consider:

• Draw no bet: This is a two-way moneyline bet, and it will result in a push if the game is tied.
• Double chance: Cover two of the three potential outcomes. For example, bet365 has +250 on Canada to win or the game to be a tie in Argentina’s opening game.
• Goalscorer betting: You can bet on a particular player to score first, last, or at any time in a game. Alternatively, bet on a player to score two or more goals, to score a hat trick, to score a header, and so on.
• Win to nil: Bet on Argentina to win a game without conceding a goal.
• Halftime/full time: Predict the result at the half and at the end of regulation.
• Correct score: Guess the precise score at the end of the game.

There are lots of other options for Copa America betting, as well as how to bet on soccer in general, but those are the main markets to familiarize yourself with. You can also combine two or more bets to create a same-game parlay.

Argentina’s potential path to victory

Argentina won Group A, so La Albiceleste faced Ecuador, the runner-up from Group B, in the quarterfinals in Houston. It was a tight, tense game, which finished 1-1. That led to a penalty shootout, and heroics from goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez handed Argentina the win. Lionel Scaloni’s team will now face Canada in the semifinals. Argentina is a huge favorite to win that match. If La Albiceleste win, they will face Uruguay or Colombia in the final.

Argentina group stage fixtures

Argentina will play its group stage games in Atlanta, New Jersey, and Miami. It will need to finish first or second in Group A to reach the quarterfinals. These are the games to look out for:

• Argentina vs. Canada (8 p.m. ET on June 20)
• Chile vs. Argentina (9 p.m. ET on June 25)
• Argentina vs. Peru (8 p.m. ET on June 29)

Numbers game: Argentina data points to watch

• Argentina has only lost twice in its last 57 games: a shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup group stage and a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in November 2023.
• La Albiceleste have won this trophy 15 times in the past, and they have reached the Copa America final more times than any other team.
• Lionel Messi has fired in 106 goals in 180 games for Argentina. He is now 36, but he shows no signs of slowing down, with 12 goals in his last 10 matches for La Albiceleste.
• Argentina conceded just three goals in seven games at the 2021 Copa America.

Pivotal player

Lionel Messi will be central to Argentina’s chances of winning this tournament. He was named Player of the Tournament at the 2022 World Cup after scoring seven goals and providing three assists in seven games.

Messi was also the joint top goalscorer at the last Copa America. However, his contribution goes far beyond simply sticking the ball in the back of the net. His all-round play is phenomenal, causing all sorts of problems for opposition defenses, and his leadership is also crucial within the Argentine squad.

The team will need him to be fully fit and firing on all cylinders this summer. The Copa America final takes place in Miami, where Messi now plays his club soccer for Inter Miami, so he will be keen to lift the trophy in front of his Floridian fans.

How has Argentina performed in past Copa America tournaments?

Argentina has won this tournament 15 times in the past. It is level with Uruguay as the joint most successful team in Copa America history. La Albiceleste have also finished as the runners-up on 14 occasions.

In total, they have played 202 games at Copa America since 1916 — 127 wins, 42 draws, and 33 defeats. In that time, they have scored 474 goals and conceded 182.

Argentina: Copa America FAQ