Argentina’s last victory came in Ecuador in 1993, the first time the tournament was increased to 12 teams with invitations for two countries from CONCACAF, governing body of North and Central America and the Caribbean, with Mexico their rivals in the final.
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The Barcelona forward has won every trophy possible with the Spanish club but he has lost three finals with Argentina, including in 2014 World Cup Final in 2014 and the Copa America previous year.
Argentina lost to Chile on penalties in the final past year and Messi said the squad were better prepared this time around.
“It’s a group of winners, I can see that just talking with them”.
Messi captained Argentina to defeats in consecutive finals at the 2014 World Cup and Copa America a year ago, but he insists his country have prepared for their latest showdown “spectacularly” as he hopes to “change history and become a champion”. Messi surpassed Gabriel Batistuta’s record of 54 goals to script history.
Argentina expects Messi, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain to fire against Chile in the finals. The last time Messi played at the MetLife stadium was also in June and also against a South American side.
Meanwhile Hebei China Fortune forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has been ruled out of the final after fracturing his elbow against the USA.
Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, who replaced Jorge Sampaoli in January, is now settled in the job and he has Chile playing the same high-paced pressing and super-fast counter attacks that make them such an exciting team to watch.
The match would be staged as part of events to mark the Copa America’s centenary, officials said.
In the group stages, Argentina defeated Chile 2-1, and entered the finals easily by outsmarting their other opponents convincingly.
But the Roja have looked a different side since their their opening loss to Argentina.
Pizzi’s team will be bolstered by the return of Bayern Munich playmaker Arturo Vidal, who missed the semi-final due to suspension.
But midfielders Pablo Hernandez and Marcelo Diaz are doubtful with knee and upper leg injuries respectively.
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A lot will depend on Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez and fellow attacker, Eduardo Vargas. Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Charles Aranguiz is also in very good form.
