'Group of Death': Australia drawn against Messi's Argentina as guests in Copa America 2020
Australia will face the Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi and Argentina at next year's Copa America after being drawn in a tough Group A for the South American competition.
The Socceroos will play in the south zone of the championship along with co-hosts Argentina, two-time World Cup winners Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia and Paraguay.
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Graham Arnold's team are one of two guest nations competing in the tournament, along with Asian Cup winners Qatar, with the competition beginning on June 12.
Fans on social media couldn’t contain their excitement with the prospect of Arnold’s men lining up against the six-time Ballon d’Or champ.
Others lamented the draw claiming Australia had been handed the Group of Death after dropping into the South Zone.
It's a good thing we revel in being the underdog. What a fantastic opportunity for our national team! @Socceroos https://t.co/HM6Gnm00XE
— Bruce Djite (@BDjite) December 4, 2019
Great challenge for the @Socceroos.
Facing Lionel Messi & this year’s semi-finalists 🇦🇷 + 2015 & 2016 champs Chile 🇨🇱
Not to mention a reunion with Uruguay 🇺🇾#CopaAmerica #CopaAmerica2020 https://t.co/A2MeQSickK— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) December 4, 2019
Can we forfeit now?
— ErhanLFC (@ErdzLfc83) December 4, 2019
Can’t wait til @RhyanGrant sticks him in his pocket
— Luke Hovey (@lukehoveys) December 4, 2019
Both North & South zone makes your head spin great opportunity for @Socceroos the ultimate test awaits @TheWorldGame https://t.co/gnioyIOhfz
— David Basheer (@Bashola66) December 4, 2019
"The group of death"
— Jack Ridewood (@JackRidewood) December 4, 2019
Asian Cup holders Qatar have been drawn in Group B and will face co-hosts Colombia, defending champions Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuala.
Qatar played in this year's Copa along with Japan, drawing their opening group match but failing to get past the group stage.
No guest nation has won the Copa, with Mexico coming closest by reaching the final in 1993 and 2001.
The top four teams from each group at the 2020 Copa America qualify for the quarter-finals.
2020 COPA AMERICA GROUPS
GROUP A Argentina (co-hosts) Australia Bolivia Uruguay Chile Paraguay
GROUP B Colombia (co-hosts) Brazil Qatar Venezuela Ecuador Peru