In 2016, Lamela was selected by coach Gerardo Martino in Argentina's squad for the 2016 Copa América. Lamela was part of the Argentine side that ran to the final. He appeared in all of Argentina's group stage matches, and scored a goal in the 3–0 win against Bolivia with a long range free kick. He scored again in the 4–1 win in the quarter final against Venezuela minutes after coming on as a sub. In the final against Chile, he only appeared as a sub in extra-time in the 111th minute, which Chile won 4–2 on penalties.