There will be some huge names playing at the Copa América Centenario which begins at 8:30 tonight with the hosts USA playing Colombia. Here is a list of players you should definitely look out for and why: 

Forwards

Lionel Messi – Messi has been ridiculed for not bringing a trophy home to Argentina in senior competitions. Therefore what better way to assert yourself as one of the greatest players and silence your critics than to win the Copa América Centenario? Well, by winning the World Cup maybe, but in the meantime be on the look out for some Messi magic.

Luis Suarez – Although he is expected to miss the group stages because of a recent hamstring injury. Once Luis Suarez has recovered fully he can cut through tough defenders and bring Uruguay to glory. He hasn’t played for them in a while because of his numerous bans so if he comes back he will have a lot to prove.

Gabigol – This youngster from Brazil has attracted a lot of attention recently because of his skills. While this Brazilian team is arguably deficient, Gabigol can certainly make the difference for them. Scoring in their last friendly recently perhaps shows just how ready he is.

Defenders

Wes Morgan – Wes Morgan can definitely keep strikers away from Jamaica’s goal similarly to how he kept the entire Premier League away from Leicester City’s goal. The Leicester City captain will serve as a firm wall for Jamaica.

Diego Godin – His defensive skills were definitely noted in the powerful Atletico Madrid team he played for this season. Uruguay’s goal is relatively safe. 

Jose Maria Gimenez – He has been dubbed one of the best young centre backs in the world and has really proven himself at Atletico Madrid this season. With his teammate Godin, he is could make a real name for himself. 

Midfielders

Casemiro – This Brazilian has been exceptional for Real Madrid and is expected to be just as good for Brazil.

Philippe Coutinho – Another Brazilian. He is sensational at Liverpool and is expected to fit in Neymar;s place, there is immense pressure on him but he can deliver. 

James Rodriguez – He didn’t make the impact he wanted at the last Copa America. He will seek redemption. 

Goalkeepers

Guillermo Ochoa – There are few differences between Ochoa and an actual brick wall. He’s expected to bring his ‘A’ game as Mexico seeks Copa America glory.

Claudio Bravo – This Barcelona goalie knows how to keep a ball out of the goal. He will be a real asset for Chile.