by The storied rivalry between chile national football team vs argentina national football team lineups continues to captivate football fans worldwide as they prepare to face off in a crucial Copa America group stage match.
This encounter carries significant weight for both teams, with Argentina looking to secure their passage to the knockout rounds after their opening 2-0 victory against Canada.
Despite the win, La Albiceleste showed signs of vulnerability that they’ll need to address against a more experienced Chilean side.
For Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi, who recently celebrated his 37th birthday, this tournament represents another opportunity to add to his legendary legacy with the national team.
Having already secured World Cup glory in 2022, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to defy age with his performances, though questions remain about his supporting cast’s ability to consistently deliver at the highest level.
Chile enters this match in a more precarious position following their goalless draw against Peru.
The once-dominant Chilean golden generation that secured back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016 (both against Argentina) is in its twilight years, with several key players approaching the end of their international careers.
Most concerning for La Roja is their current goal drought in Copa America competitions, having failed to score in their last three tournament appearances despite showing attacking promise in pre-tournament friendlies.
Chile National Football Team Vs Argentina National Football Team Lineups
With historical tensions, current tournament implications, and tactical intrigue all factoring into this match, fans can expect an encounter filled with drama, skill, and perhaps the individual brilliance that has defined previous meetings between these South American powerhouses.
Team and Injury News
Argentina
The primary concern in the Argentine camp centered around the fitness of Lionel Messi following a rough challenge from Canada’s Bombito in their opening match. However, medical assessments have confirmed that Argentina’s talisman has suffered no significant injury and will be available for selection against Chile – news that will relieve supporters and coach Lionel Scaloni alike.
Scaloni faces several selection dilemmas after his rotated lineup secured victory against Canada. Most notably, Enzo Fernandez – a key figure in Argentina’s World Cup triumph – was relegated to the bench in the opening fixture. His technical quality and defensive work rate could prove valuable against Chile’s experienced midfield, potentially earning him a recall to the starting eleven.
Similarly, Lautaro Martinez made a compelling case for inclusion after coming off the bench to score against Canada. The Inter Milan striker has been in prolific form at club level and offers a different profile to Julian Alvarez in attack. Scaloni must decide whether to reward Martinez’s impact with a starting berth or continue with the Manchester City forward alongside Messi.
In defense, Argentina appears settled with Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez forming a complementary partnership at center-back. Emiliano Martinez continues as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, while Nahuel Molina and Marcos Acuna provide balance in the full-back positions.
Chile
Chile coach Ricardo Gareca has more significant concerns to address following their opening stalemate against Peru. Diego Valdes was substituted at halftime with a suspected muscular issue and remains doubtful for the Argentina clash. His creative influence would be sorely missed against Argentina’s organized defensive structure.
Further complicating matters is the disciplinary situation. Three key players – Victor Davila, Alexis Sanchez, and Erick Pulgar – are walking a tightrope after receiving yellow cards against Peru. Another caution would rule them out of Chile’s final group match, potentially creating a selection headache for Gareca. The coach must carefully balance the immediate need for a result against Argentina with the longer-term tournament strategy.
The experienced Claudio Bravo continues to provide leadership from goal despite his advancing years, while Mauricio Isla brings valuable experience to the right side of defense. Chile’s midfield balance will be crucial against Argentina’s technical quality, with questions surrounding whether veterans like Arturo Vidal will be called upon to add steel to the engine room.
In attack, Eduardo Vargas remains Chile’s primary goal threat despite his advancing years. However, supporting firepower may be required given Chile’s recent scoring troubles in tournament play.
Chile National Football Team Vs Argentina National Football Team Lineups
Argentina Expected Starting XI (4-4-2)
Argentina is expected to maintain tactical consistency with their preferred 4-4-2 formation, which provides both defensive solidity and attacking flexibility:
| Position | Player | Key Attribute |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | E. Martinez | Shot-stopping ability |
| Right Back | Molina | Overlapping runs |
| Center Back | Romero | Aggressive defending |
| Center Back | Li. Martinez | Ball distribution |
| Left Back | Acuna | Crossing precision |
| Right Midfield | Di Maria | Creative dribbling |
| Central Midfield | Lo Celso | Pass progression |
| Central Midfield | De Paul | Work rate |
| Left Midfield | Mac Allister | Positional flexibility |
| Forward | Alvarez | Movement off the ball |
| Forward | Messi | Playmaking vision |
Tactical considerations:
- Angel Di Maria’s crossing ability provides a different attacking dimension
- Rodrigo De Paul serves as the midfield engine with his box-to-box capabilities
- Alexis Mac Allister’s versatility allows for in-game tactical adjustments
- Julian Alvarez creates space with intelligent movement for Messi to exploit
- Lisandro Martinez offers progressive passing from deep positions
Key strengths:
- World-class talent in every position
- Established partnerships throughout the team
- Tactical flexibility within the formation
- Multiple goal-scoring threats
- Strong leadership from experienced players
Chile Expected Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Chile is likely to adopt a more structured 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity while maintaining counter-attacking potential:
| Position | Player | Key Attribute |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Bravo | Experience |
| Right Back | Isla | Defensive positioning |
| Center Back | Diaz | Aerial strength |
| Center Back | Lichnovsky | Reading of the game |
| Left Back | Suazo | Forward support |
| Defensive Midfield | Pulgar | Tactical discipline |
| Defensive Midfield | Echeverria | Ball recovery |
| Right Wing | Davila | Pace on transitions |
| Attacking Midfield | Sanchez | Creative vision |
| Left Wing | Diaz | Dribbling ability |
| Striker | Vargas | Finishing instinct |
Tactical considerations:
- Double pivot of Pulgar and Echeverria provides defensive security
- Alexis Sanchez operates in a free role to find spaces between lines
- Eduardo Vargas leads the line as the primary goal threat
- Mauricio Isla’s experience crucial for defensive organization
- Width from both full-backs to stretch Argentina’s defensive structure
Key strengths:
- Tournament experience from previous Copa America triumphs
- Defensive organization and tactical discipline
- Counter-attacking speed through wide areas
- Technical quality in central areas
- Set-piece threat
H2H Stats and Historical Context
The rivalry between Argentina and Chile has intensified significantly over the past decade, though historically Argentina has dominated this fixture:
- Total official matches: 17
- Argentina wins: 8
- Chile wins: 1
- Draws: 8
This statistical dominance doesn’t tell the full story of recent encounters, particularly in tournament play where Chile has inflicted significant pain on Argentina.
Notable Historical Encounters
| Date | Competition | Result | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 4, 2015 | Copa America Final | 0-0 (Chile won 4-1 on penalties) | Chile’s first major trophy |
| June 26, 2016 | Copa America Centenario Final | 0-0 (Chile won 4-2 on penalties) | Chile’s second consecutive title |
| July 6, 2019 | Copa America Third Place Match | Argentina 2-1 Chile | Heated match with Messi red card |
| June 14, 2021 | Copa America Group Stage | Argentina 1-1 Chile | Argentina’s eventual tournament win |
| June 3, 2022 | Finalissima | Argentina 3-0 Chile | Post-World Cup dominance |
Key historical trends:
- Chile’s golden generation secured their greatest achievements against Argentina
- Penalty shootouts have frequently decided their tournament encounters
- Matches typically feature high intensity and physical confrontations
- Disciplinary issues including red cards are common in this fixture
- Recent trend favors Argentina after years of Chilean dominance
Recent Form Comparison
Argentina’s last five matches:
- vs Canada (Copa America): Won 2-0
- vs Guatemala (Friendly): Won 4-1
- vs Costa Rica (Friendly): Won 3-1
- vs Ecuador (World Cup Qualifier): Won 1-0
- vs Brazil (World Cup Qualifier): Won 1-0
Chile’s last five matches:
- vs Peru (Copa America): Drew 0-0
- vs Paraguay (Friendly): Won 3-0
- vs Albania (Friendly): Lost 3-0
- vs France (Friendly): Lost 3-2
- vs Paraguay (World Cup Qualifier): Drew 0-0
The form comparison illustrates Argentina’s consistency versus Chile’s unpredictability, with the world champions undefeated in their recent outings while Chile has struggled for consistency.
Argentina vs Chile: When and Where to Watch
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2023
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, United States
- Kickoff Time: 2:00 am (GMT) / 9:00 pm (ET) / 6:00 pm (PT)
Broadcast Information
United States viewers have multiple options to catch this exciting clash:
- English Television Broadcast: Fox Sports
- Spanish Television Broadcast: TUDN
- Streaming Option: Fubo TV app
International viewers should check their local sports networks for broadcast information, as coverage varies by region:
- South America: DirecTV Sports, TyC Sports, Canal 13
- Europe: Premier Sports (UK), DAZN (Spain), SportTV (Portugal)
- Asia: Sony Network (India), CCTV (China), Wowow (Japan)
Stadium Information
The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey provides an impressive backdrop for this South American showdown:
- Capacity: 82,500 spectators
- Surface: FieldTurf playing surface
- Previous South American events: Hosted Copa America Centenario matches in 2016
- Notable features: Retractable roof ensures play regardless of weather conditions
- Historical significance: Previously hosted matches between these nations
Tactical Analysis and Key Battles
Argentina’s Tactical Approach
Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has evolved into a more balanced team than in previous eras:
- Build-up play typically starts with short passes from the goalkeeper
- Central overloads created by Messi dropping deep and midfielders advancing
- Width provided by full-backs and wide midfielders in established patterns
- High pressing triggered by specific cues to regain possession
- Defensive transitions managed by immediate counter-pressing
Argentina’s attacking structure features:
- Messi as the free playmaker with freedom to drift across the final third
- Alvarez’s movement creating space with diagonal runs
- De Paul’s ball progression from deep positions
- Set-piece variations featuring multiple attacking threats
- Positional rotations to create passing angles
Defensively, Argentina prioritizes:
- Compact shape when out of possession
- Immediate pressure on the ball when possession is lost
- Aggressive center-backs who step out to intercept
- Coordinated pressing triggers to force turnovers
- Numerical superiority around the ball in defensive situations
Chile’s Tactical Approach
Ricardo Gareca will likely adopt a more pragmatic approach against the world champions:
- Mid-block defensive structure with two compact banks of four
- Controlled pressing rather than high-intensity pressure
- Direct transitions when possession is regained
- Exploitation of set-pieces as a primary goal threat
- Low defensive block when under sustained pressure
Chile’s offensive approach may include:
- Quick counters utilizing pace in wide areas
- Sanchez as the creative hub operating between lines
- Vargas’s penalty box movement to find scoring positions
- Width from full-backs to stretch Argentina horizontally
- Second-ball anticipation to regain possession high upfield
Defensively, Chile will focus on:
- Limiting space between defensive lines for Messi to operate
- Doubling up on Argentina’s wide threats
- Maintaining compactness in central areas
- Physical challenges to disrupt Argentina’s rhythm
- Defensive discipline to avoid unnecessary cards
Key Individual Battles
- Messi vs. Chilean Defensive Midfielders
The battle between Lionel Messi and Chile’s double pivot of Erick Pulgar and Echeverria will be crucial. Messi’s ability to find space between the lines and create opportunities will be countered by Chile’s attempt to maintain defensive compactness and limit his influence.
Historical context: Chile has previously employed specific man-marking tactics against Messi, including using Gary Medel as a designated shadow. The success of this approach has varied, with Messi still influencing games despite close attention.
- Alexis Sanchez vs. Argentina Midfield
Alexis Sanchez remains Chile’s primary creative force despite his advancing years. His movement between lines and ability to receive in tight spaces will test Argentina’s midfield structure, particularly the defensive awareness of Lo Celso and De Paul.
Historical context: Sanchez has previously thrived against Argentina, scoring crucial goals in their encounters. His familiarity with many Argentine players from club football adds another dimension to this personal duel.
- Emiliano Martinez vs. Chilean Set-Pieces
Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has built a reputation as a big-game performer, particularly in high-pressure situations. Chile’s likely reliance on set-pieces for goal-scoring opportunities will test his aerial command and organization of the defensive line.
Historical context: Martinez’s penalty heroics were crucial in Argentina’s 2021 Copa America triumph, and his psychological edge in such situations could prove decisive if the match progresses to a shootout.
Tournament Context and Implications
Current Group A Standings
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| Peru | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Chile | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Canada | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Qualification Scenarios
For Argentina:
- A win would secure 6 points, virtually guaranteeing qualification to the knockout phase
- A draw would maintain their position atop Group A with 4 points
- An unlikely defeat would complicate their situation but still leave qualification in their own hands
For Chile:
- A win would dramatically improve their qualification prospects with 4 points
- A draw would maintain their competitive position with 2 points
- A defeat would leave them requiring a win in their final match and favorable results elsewhere
Knockout Stage Path
The tournament structure means the winner of Group A will face the runner-up from Group B in the quarterfinals. Current standings suggest this could potentially be:
- Group A winner (potentially Argentina) vs. Group B runner-up (potentially Ecuador or Venezuela)
- Group A runner-up (potentially Chile with a positive result) vs. Group B winner (potentially Mexico or Venezuela)
This adds further significance to the match outcome beyond simple qualification, as the path through the knockout stages could be significantly impacted.
FAQs
- Is Lionel Messi fit to play against Chile?
Yes, Lionel Messi has been confirmed fit for the match against Chile despite suffering an injury scare in Argentina’s previous game against Canada. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has recovered and is expected to lead the team as captain.
- What happens if Argentina wins this match?
If Argentina defeats Chile, they will secure 6 points from two matches, which would virtually guarantee their progression to the knockout stages of the Copa America tournament as one of the top two teams in Group A.
- Why has Chile struggled to score in recent Copa America matches?
Chile’s goal-scoring drought in recent Copa America matches can be attributed to several factors, including aging attacking players, tactical transitions under different managers, and facing strong defensive opponents. They have now gone three consecutive Copa America matches without scoring, highlighting their offensive challenges.
- How important is this match for both teams?
This match is critically important for both sides. For Argentina, a win secures their path to the knockout stages and potentially group winner status. For Chile, avoiding defeat is essential to maintain realistic qualification hopes. The historical rivalry adds further significance to the encounter.
- Who is the referee for the Argentina vs Chile match?
The referee appointments are typically announced closer to match day. FIFA and CONMEBOL select officials based on experience and neutrality to ensure fair officiating for such high-profile encounters.
- Has Chile ever beaten Argentina in a Copa America final?
Yes, Chile has defeated Argentina in Copa America finals. Most notably, Chile won consecutive Copa America titles by beating Argentina on penalties in both the 2015 and 2016 finals, which were significant achievements in Chilean football history.
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Conclusion:
The upcoming clash between Chile and Argentina transcends the typical importance of a group stage match, carrying historical weight, tournament implications, and the potential for defining moments in this storied rivalry. Argentina enters as the clear favorite based on recent form and their status as world champions, yet Chile’s tournament experience and historical success against La Albiceleste cannot be discounted.
For Argentina, this match represents an opportunity to assert their dominance, secure qualification, and continue building momentum toward defending their Copa America crown. Lionel Messi’s continued excellence despite his advancing years provides both inspiration and a tactical focal point for Scaloni’s well-balanced side.
Chile faces a moment of truth in their transitional period, with their golden generation making perhaps their final stand in a major tournament. A positive result against Argentina would not only enhance their qualification prospects but potentially spark the attacking form that has eluded them in recent Copa America matches.
The tactical battle between Scaloni and Gareca promises intrigue, with Argentina’s technical quality matched against Chile’s experience and pragmatism. Individual brilliance – most likely from Messi or Sanchez – could prove decisive in what historically has been a tightly contested fixture.
As these South American rivals prepare to write another chapter in their competitive history at the impressive MetLife Stadium, fans worldwide can anticipate a match filled with intensity, skill, and the passionate rivalry that has defined previous encounters. Whether Argentina can take another step toward tournament glory or Chile can recapture the spirit that delivered their greatest triumphs, this match promises to be a highlight of the 2023 Copa America group stage.
