Aldana Cometti: “Argentina is in a great moment”

• She is the player with the most appearances in Argentina's national team history.
• She will play her fourth CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina™.

Aldana Cometti is one of the key leaders of Germán Portanova’s team. At 29, she’s the captain, set to play the tournament for the fourth time, and has over 90 caps with the national team. At club level, she won the CONMEBOL Libertadores in 2018 with Atlético Huila and currently plays for Madrid CFF in Spain. What’s the goal in Ecuador? “Our objective is to go as far as possible, to make it through the group stage. We’re all focused on making that happen.”

— This will be your fourth CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina™. You’re one of the most experienced players. How has women’s football and the national team evolved in these last 10 years?

— It’s evolved a lot. Both us as players and the CONMEBOL tournament itself have grown over these last 10 years. We’re a more prepared team, better trained, more professional in every way. I’m in a great moment, and so is the team. We’re happy to be part of the tournament in this way.

— This year, you had a historic win against Canada. How important was that achievement?

— It was historic because we beat a very strong opponent in terms of ranking and titles. They’re Olympic champions, with a long-standing project, and they’ve proven their quality... All their players are top level. For us, it’s a huge boost to know we can compete in these kinds of matches. We’re on the right track to making these wins more frequent—not just rare victories every few years. With hard work, effort, and the young players coming through, Argentina can go even further.

— After that match, your number 10, Dalila Ippolito, got injured at her club. How did that affect you?

— It’s unfortunate. Any injury is tough, especially one as long-term as Dali’s. It was a big blow because she was important to the team. She also felt that importance. We miss her a lot — it shows in training and within the group. Her absence will be felt during the tournament. Still, I think we have a great team — not to replace her, but to avoid depending solely on her. Any player who’s in good shape can step up and contribute.

Argentina’s fixtures in the tournament

• Uruguay vs Argentina (July 15)
• Argentina vs Chile (July 18)
• Argentina vs Peru (July 21)
• Ecuador vs Argentina (July 24)

Brazil, the most decorated team in the tournament, will have its iconic figure: “Marta always says the same thing, we get excited (laughs) and then she comes back to play... It’s a pleasure to play against her. It’s something you learn from — nobody wants to face her because of everything she is, everything she represents on the pitch. But at the same time, you’re playing against the biggest icon of women’s football. At least in South America, and also globally. She paved the way for many of us. Her talent and playing style helped women’s football gain visibility worldwide.”

— What would make you happy after the CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina™?

— The effort of my teammates. If we give our hearts and souls and play the way we’ve been training — with this dedication and professionalism — the results will come naturally. What I hope is to walk away knowing that all of us, myself included, gave everything to achieve our goals and to honor the shirt. All of us with the same team mindset — moving forward, doing things right — and the results will follow.