See how the top 10 teams of Copa America shake out in our pre-tournament rankings.
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A left-footer who likes playing on the right and cutting inside in attack, with his cub Benfica’s best assists record in the Portuguese league, his game resembles what Messi does best for his country.
Yet its most pressing concern is the physical and mental condition of Argentine captain Lionel Messi.
Because of the trial, Messi has missed part of Argentina’s preparations for the Copa America in the United States.
The Bayern Munich star said a victory over perennial CONMEBOL rivals will send a clear message that the defending champions mean business.
Chile are now in a race to return to the form they enjoyed under Jorge Sampaoli, but Argentina will be considered favourites for revenge after last year’s final defeat.
Argentina’s recent global struggles have been its loss at the 2015 Copa final and its 1-0 defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final.
“Setting aside the difference between Messi and every other player, our intent is not to change our style of play”, he said. He sustained the injury when Argentina played a friendly game against Honduras last week.
“It will be like the final [Copa America 2015]”, Vidal said. His overall play for Barcelona took a hit this year, signaling the start of his decline.
‘I want him to be Nico, to be himself more than ever. ‘Even if we played Chile in the final, it wouldn’t be revenge, ‘ he stated.
FC Barcelona has promised to give Messi legal and financial support, as the Argentina global considers whether to sue over the leak. “We want to be at that level”.
Argentina will look avenge the memories of their last meeting with Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men in the final of last year’s Copa America final.
One of those options for Argentina is Gonzalo Higuain, who is looking to follow up a spectacular season with Napoli by improving his fortunes with the Albiceleste. “And Argentina have the pressure of being always expected to win and that can work in our favour”.
Chile have won each of their last three opening games of the Copa America.
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The depth of manager Gerardo Martino’s resources means Argentina will be considered a mammoth powerhouse with or without Messi’s services, but the team will assuredly feel more confident with their ace present. But Argentina is the favorite for a reason and knows it needs to get off to a fast start in order to not only win this group but to position itself for a championship run.
