Socceroos to face Messi, Neymar and South America’s best players after 2020 Copa America invitation

Try the world’s best player, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, maybe Brazil’s Neymar and Uruguay’s Luis Suarez. That’s just who the Socceroos will face after their invitation to play in South America next year.

The Socceroos look set to face Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez after receiving an invitation to play in the prestigious Copa America tournament in 2020.

Colombia and Argentina are hosting South America’s prestigious continental tournament, which will include Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and 2018 World Cup combatants Peru.

It is understood that CONMEBOL — the South American confederation — has cleared the dates with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), to ensure it will not clash with any 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Football Federation Australia are awaiting the final details of the invitation, which was sent last week, before committing to the tournament, which takes place June 12-July 12, 2020.

Brazil’s Neymar (left) and Uruguay’s Luis Suarez (right) are among the calibre of opponents the Socceroos could face in 2020. Picture: Getty Images

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An FFA spokesperson confirmed that they had received an invitation to feature in the 2020 Copa America and indicated its interest to participate, subject to an agreement between the two parties on relevant terms and conditions.

It would be the first time Australia features in the Copa America, which has traditionally invited teams from outside the continent to make it a 12-team tournament.

Qatar, the 2022 World Cup hosts, are featuring in the 2019 Copa America along with Japan, but have been invited back for the 2020 edition.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup.

It would be a massive boost for Socceroos boss Graham Arnold, who is craving quality opposition as they aim to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

The Socceroos would be guaranteed five matches, with 12 teams divided into two groups of six. The top four advance to the quarter-finals.

With the calibre of opposition, the Copa America would probably attract greater interest in Australia than its own continental tournament, the Asian Cup.

While the 2019-2020 Copa Americas will be played back to back, the next edition will not be until 2024, underlining the glorious opportunity presented to FFA.