Argentina have officially launched the 2011 Copa America, the first to be played in the country since 1987.

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and the Argentinian Football Association president Julio Grondona revealed the venues today.

La Plata, Cordoba, Santa Fe, San Juan, Mendoza, Jujuy and Salta will host the games, with the The Estadio Ciudad de La Plata being the main venue, hosting the opening match and the final.

Grondona said: "This is the official kick-off of the championship.

"The operative venue will be in Buenos Aires, but each venue will have its own organisation.

"This is the first step the CONMEBOL demands, as they need the confirmation of the venues by the country. I have to thank the national and government authorities, but especially the president."

Chief of Cabinet Sergio Massa added: "Argentina's goal as host country is to have the right infrastructure so the national government and the AFA should work together, alongside the provincial bodies.

"That's why the national government has decided to help the AFA in order to have the Copa America Argentina deserves."

Japan and Mexico will be invited to join the 10 CONMEBOL nations in the tournament, which has been won by Brazil on the last two occasions, in 2004 and 2007.