by The highly anticipated showdown between chile national football team vs argentina national football team lineups is set to captivate football enthusiasts worldwide as these South American giants prepare to face off in a pivotal Copa America group stage encounter.
This fixture carries immense significance beyond just tournament progression, with decades of competitive history, regional pride, and continental supremacy at stake.
For Argentina, fresh off their 2-0 victory against Canada in the tournament opener, this match represents an opportunity to cement their position as group leaders and virtually guarantee passage to the knockout stages.
Despite securing three points in their first outing, La Albiceleste displayed moments of vulnerability that raised questions about their title defense capabilities. Coach Lionel Scaloni will be keen to address these concerns against a more seasoned Chilean side.
The spotlight inevitably falls on Lionel Messi, Argentina’s iconic captain who recently celebrated his 37th birthday. Having finally secured the World Cup trophy that long eluded him, Messi appears unburdened as he leads Argentina’s Copa America defense.
However, time waits for no player – even one of Messi’s caliber – and this tournament could represent one of his final opportunities to add to his international legacy with Argentina.
Chile approaches this encounter from a position of greater urgency following their goalless stalemate with Peru.
The once-formidable Chilean golden generation that delivered back-to-back Copa America triumphs (2015 and 2016) is in its twilight phase, with several key figures playing what could be their final major tournament.
Most concerning for Chilean supporters is their team’s ongoing scoring drought in Copa America competition, having failed to find the net in their past three tournament matches despite showing offensive promise in pre-tournament friendlies.
Chile National Football Team Vs Argentina National Football Team Lineups
With tournament implications, historical rivalries, and the potential for individual brilliance all converging in this match, fans can anticipate an encounter that delivers both tactical intrigue and emotional intensity – hallmarks of this storied South American rivalry.
Team and Injury News
Argentina
Argentina’s medical team has delivered positive news regarding captain Lionel Messi, confirming his availability following concerns about a potential injury sustained during the physical encounter with Canada. Messi received a heavy challenge from Bombito that momentarily worried the Argentina camp, but subsequent assessments have revealed no significant damage, allowing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to lead his team against Chile.
Coach Lionel Scaloni faces selection dilemmas across the pitch after his rotated lineup successfully navigated the Canada match. The most pressing decisions involve midfield and attack, where several players are staking claims for starting positions:
Midfield consideration: Enzo Fernandez, instrumental during Argentina’s World Cup triumph, was surprisingly benched for the tournament opener. His exceptional ball distribution and defensive awareness could prove vital against Chile’s experienced midfield operators. Scaloni must decide whether to reinstate Fernandez or maintain faith in the Lo Celso-De Paul partnership that functioned effectively against Canada.
Attacking options: Lautaro Martinez made a compelling case for selection after coming off the bench to score against Canada. The Inter Milan striker has enjoyed a prolific season at club level and offers different characteristics to Julian Alvarez. Martinez’s clinical finishing ability contrasts with Alvarez’s tireless movement and link-up play, presenting Scaloni with a tactical decision regarding who partners Messi in attack.
Defensively, Argentina appears settled with the complementary partnership of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez anchoring the backline. Emiliano Martinez continues as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, while Nahuel Molina and Marcos Acuna are expected to retain their full-back positions.
Chile
Chile coach Ricardo Gareca confronts more significant selection challenges following their underwhelming draw with Peru. Diego Valdes remains a major doubt after being withdrawn at halftime with a muscular complaint. His creative influence from midfield would be a substantial loss against Argentina’s organized defensive structure.
The disciplinary situation further complicates Gareca’s planning, with three key players – Victor Davila, Alexis Sanchez, and Erick Pulgar – carrying yellow cards from the Peru match. Another caution would trigger automatic suspension for Chile’s final group game, potentially creating a selection crisis. Gareca must carefully balance immediate needs against longer-term tournament considerations when finalizing his lineup.
Veteran goalkeeper Claudio Bravo continues to provide leadership from the last line of defense despite his advancing years, while experienced right-back Mauricio Isla brings valuable tournament knowledge to the backline. In midfield, questions persist whether Arturo Vidal will be called upon to add combative qualities against Argentina’s technical operators.
The attacking structure remains Chile’s most pressing concern given their recent scoring difficulties. Eduardo Vargas continues as the primary goal threat, but additional creative support may be required to unlock Argentina’s resilient defense. Alexis Sanchez will be expected to provide the inventive spark from his role behind the striker.
Chile National Football Team Vs Argentina National Football Team Lineups
Argentina Expected Starting XI (4-4-2)
Argentina is anticipated to maintain tactical consistency with their preferred 4-4-2 formation, balancing defensive solidity with attacking fluidity:
| Position | Player | Key Attribute | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | E. Martinez | Penalty specialist | Shot-stopping and distribution |
| Right Back | Molina | Attacking support | Overlap and cross delivery |
| Center Back | Romero | Aggressive defender | Aerial dominance and interception |
| Center Back | Li. Martinez | Technical defender | Ball progression and tactical fouling |
| Left Back | Acuna | Positional awareness | Defensive solidity with forward support |
| Right Midfield | Di Maria | Creative dribbling | Cut inside and deliver crosses |
| Central Midfield | Lo Celso | Pass progression | Link defense to attack |
| Central Midfield | De Paul | Work rate | Ball-winning and progressive passing |
| Left Midfield | Mac Allister | Positional flexibility | Drift inside to create overloads |
| Forward | Alvarez | Movement off the ball | Create space for Messi |
| Forward | Messi | Playmaking vision | Free role to influence all attacking phases |
Tactical considerations:
- Angel Di Maria’s crossing ability offers variety to Argentina’s typically central attacking approach
- Rodrigo De Paul functions as the midfield engine, covering significant ground both defensively and offensively
- Alexis Mac Allister’s intelligent positioning creates numerical advantages in central areas
- Julian Alvarez specializes in creating space through movement rather than acting as a traditional number nine
- Lisandro Martinez provides left-footed balance to the center-back pairing, facilitating build-up play
Chile Expected Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Chile will likely adopt a structured 4-2-3-1 formation designed to provide defensive stability while maintaining counter-attacking capabilities:
| Position | Player | Key Attribute | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Bravo | Experience | Leadership and distribution |
| Right Back | Isla | Defensive positioning | Contain Argentina’s left-sided threats |
| Center Back | Diaz | Aerial strength | Dominance in set-piece situations |
| Center Back | Lichnovsky | Reading of the game | Anticipation and interception |
| Left Back | Suazo | Forward support | Provide width in attack |
| Defensive Midfield | Pulgar | Tactical discipline | Screen defense and disrupt opposition |
| Defensive Midfield | Echeverria | Ball recovery | Regain possession and quick distribution |
| Right Wing | Davila | Pace on transitions | Counter-attack threat |
| Attacking Midfield | Sanchez | Creative vision | Find pockets of space between lines |
| Left Wing | Diaz | Dribbling ability | Direct running and chance creation |
| Striker | Vargas | Finishing instinct | Convert limited opportunities |
Tactical considerations:
- The double pivot of Pulgar and Echeverria provides essential defensive screening against Messi
- Alexis Sanchez operates in a free role, dropping between lines to receive possession
- Eduardo Vargas must maximize limited opportunities against Argentina’s organized defense
- Mauricio Isla’s experience will be crucial in managing Argentina’s left-sided combinations
- Gabriel Suazo offers attacking width to stretch Argentina’s defensive shape
H2H Stats and Historical Context
The historical rivalry between Argentina and Chile has intensified dramatically over the past decade, though overall statistics heavily favor Argentina:
- Total official matches: 17
- Argentina wins: 8
- Chile wins: 1
- Draws: 8
These numbers tell only part of the story, particularly regarding the past decade of competition where Chile has inflicted significant tournament heartbreak 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 international trophy |
| June 26, 2016 | Copa America Centenario Final | 0-0 (Chile won 4-2 on penalties) | Chile’s second consecutive continental title |
| July 6, 2019 | Copa America Third Place Match | Argentina 2-1 Chile | Controversial match with Messi red card |
| June 14, 2021 | Copa America Group Stage | Argentina 1-1 Chile | Part of Argentina’s eventual title-winning campaign |
| June 3, 2022 | Finalissima | Argentina 3-0 Chile | Demonstrated Argentina’s post-World Cup dominance |
Key historical patterns:
- Chile’s golden generation secured their greatest achievements against Argentina
- Penalty shootouts have proven particularly significant in deciding tournament encounters
- Matches typically feature high intensity and numerous disciplinary incidents
- Red cards have appeared frequently in recent matches between these teams
- Argentina has reasserted dominance in the post-2019 period
Recent Form Analysis
Argentina’s Last Five Matches
Argentina enters this encounter in imperious form, demonstrating the consistency expected of world champions:
- 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
This five-match winning streak showcases Argentina’s defensive resilience (just two goals conceded) alongside their attacking capabilities (ten goals scored). The victory over Brazil in World Cup qualification particularly demonstrated their ability to perform against elite opposition.
Chile’s Last Five Matches
Chile’s recent performances present a more inconsistent picture:
- 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
This mixed form illustrates Chile’s transitional status – capable of impressive performances (Paraguay) but also vulnerable to heavy defeats (Albania). Their scoring output has been erratic, alternating between goal-scoring displays and barren performances.
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 several options to watch this high-profile encounter:
- English Television Broadcast: Fox Sports
- Spanish Television Broadcast: TUDN
- Streaming Option: Fubo TV app
International viewers can access coverage through various regional broadcasters:
- South America: DirecTV Sports, TyC Sports (Argentina), TNT Sports (Chile)
- Europe: Premier Sports (UK), Sportitalia (Italy), Sport1 (Germany)
- Asia: beIN Sports, Sony Network
- Australia: Optus Sport
Stadium Information
The MetLife Stadium provides an impressive setting for this South American showdown:
- Capacity: 82,500 spectators
- Surface: FieldTurf artificial playing surface
- Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Notable Features: Retractable roof ensures play regardless of weather conditions
- Historical Significance: Previously hosted high-profile international matches and the Copa America Centenario final
Tactical Analysis
Argentina’s Tactical Approach
Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has evolved into a more balanced team than during previous cycles:
- Build-up phase:
- Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez initiates with short distribution to center-backs
- Full-backs provide width while central midfielders drop to create passing options
- Lo Celso and De Paul alternate in progressing the ball vertically
- Attacking structure:
- Messi operates as a free-roaming playmaker across the final third
- Alvarez’s movement creates space through diagonal runs behind defenses
- Di Maria provides crossing threat from right while Mac Allister drifts inside from left
- Set-piece variations capitalize on height advantages in the penalty area
- Defensive organization:
- Medium-high pressing triggered by specific opposition cues
- Compact defensive block when opponent bypasses initial press
- Immediate counter-press upon losing possession to regain control
- Center-backs are comfortable defending in space when the team presses high
Chile’s Likely Strategy
Ricardo Gareca will likely adopt a more pragmatic approach against the world champions:
- Defensive structure:
- Compact mid-block with two disciplined banks of four
- Limited high pressing, focusing instead on controlling central spaces
- Double-teaming approach against Messi when he receives in dangerous areas
- Close attention to Argentina’s midfield creators to limit service
- Attacking approach:
- Direct transitions to exploit potential spaces behind Argentina’s high line
- Sanchez as the creative fulcrum, operating between lines to link play
- Width from full-backs to stretch Argentina horizontally
- Maximizing set-piece opportunities as a primary goal threat
- Key tactical considerations:
- Managing yellow-carded players to avoid suspensions
- Protecting central areas where Argentina is most dangerous
- Maintaining defensive compactness while providing attacking support
- Establishing a physical presence to disrupt Argentina’s rhythm
Key Individual Battles
Messi vs. Chilean Defensive Midfielders
The contest between Lionel Messi and Chile’s defensive midfield duo will likely define this match. Messi’s ability to find and exploit space between defensive lines represents Argentina’s primary creative threat, while Chile’s midfield screening will be essential to minimizing his influence.
Historical context: Chile has previously employed specific man-marking tactics against Messi, including using Gary Medel as a dedicated shadow in previous tournament encounters. This approach has yielded mixed results, with Messi still managing to influence games despite close attention.
Tactical considerations:
- Chile may assign Pulgar primary responsibility for tracking Messi’s movements
- Argentina could counter by positioning Messi in wide areas to create different problems
- Messi’s free role makes consistent marking particularly challenging
- Chile’s defensive midfielders must maintain disciplinary control despite Messi’s dribbling threat
Alexis Sanchez vs. Argentina’s Defensive Structure
Alexis Sanchez remains Chile’s creative catalyst despite his advancing years. His movement, technical ability, and experience make him Chile’s most likely source of attacking inspiration against Argentina’s organized defensive unit.
Historical context: Sanchez has previously delivered decisive moments against Argentina, including penalty conversions in shootout victories. His familiarity with many Argentine players from club competitions adds psychological nuance to this personal duel.
Tactical considerations:
- Sanchez will likely drift across the attacking line seeking pockets of space
- Argentina may assign De Paul specific responsibilities to track Sanchez’s movement
- Chile will aim to isolate Sanchez against defenders in one-on-one situations
- Sanchez’s set-piece delivery represents a significant threat for Chile
Emiliano Martinez vs. High-Pressure Moments
Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has developed a reputation as a psychological specialist in high-pressure situations, particularly penalties and crucial saves. His ability to produce decisive moments could prove vital in a potentially tight encounter.
Historical context: Martinez’s penalty heroics were instrumental in Argentina’s 2021 Copa America triumph, establishing him as a master of the psychological aspects of goalkeeping in tournament football.
Tactical considerations:
- Martinez’s distribution under pressure will be tested by Chile’s selective pressing
- His command of the penalty area during set-pieces is crucial against Chile’s aerial threat
- The psychological element could prove decisive if the match progresses to penalties
- His communication and organization of Argentina’s defensive line provides security
Tournament Context and Implications
Current Group A Standings
After the first round of matches, Group A stands as follows:
| 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
Argentina’s pathway:
- A win would secure 6 points, virtually guaranteeing qualification to the knockout stages
- A draw would maintain their position atop Group A with 4 points
- A defeat would complicate their situation but still leave qualification firmly in their own hands
Chile’s outlook:
- A win would dramatically enhance their qualification prospects with 4 points
- A draw would maintain their competitive position with 2 points
- A defeat would create significant pressure for their final group match, likely requiring victory and favorable results elsewhere
Knockout Stage Trajectory
The tournament structure adds further significance to group positioning:
- Group A winner faces Group B runner-up in quarterfinals
- Group A runner-up faces Group B winner in quarterfinals
Current Group B standings suggest potential quarterfinal opponents could include Venezuela, Mexico, Ecuador, or Jamaica. Securing group winner status could potentially provide a more favorable knockout path, adding strategic importance beyond simple qualification.
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 during Argentina’s opening game against Canada. Medical assessments have cleared the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner 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 as one of the top two teams in Group A. It would also put them in prime position to finish as group winners.
- 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. Their current three-match scoring drought highlights significant offensive challenges in tournament play.
- How important is this match for both teams?
This match carries critical importance for both sides. For Argentina, a win secures their knockout phase qualification and preserves momentum in their title defense. For Chile, avoiding defeat is essential to maintain realistic qualification hopes, while a win would dramatically improve their tournament prospects.
- 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 – the first major international trophies in Chilean football history.
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Conclusion
The clash between Chile and Argentina represents far more than a routine group stage encounter in the Copa America. This fixture carries the weight of recent history, continental prestige, and critical tournament implications for both nations. Argentina enters as favorites, buoyed by their world champion status and Lionel Messi’s continued excellence, yet Chile’s tournament pedigree and historic success against La Albiceleste demands respect.
For Argentina, this match offers an opportunity to demonstrate their championship credentials, secure qualification, and build momentum toward defending their Copa America crown. The continued brilliance of Messi, despite entering the twilight of his illustrious career, provides both inspiration and tactical advantages for Scaloni’s well-structured side.
Chile stands at a crossroads in their national team evolution, with their golden generation making perhaps their final appearance on the continental stage. A positive result against Argentina would not only enhance their qualification prospects but potentially rekindle the spirit that delivered their greatest international triumphs. However, their ongoing scoring difficulties present a significant hurdle against Argentina’s resolute defense.
The tactical chess match between Scaloni and Gareca promises intrigue, with Argentina’s technical superiority countered by Chile’s tournament experience and pragmatism. Individual brilliance – most likely from Messi or Sanchez – could prove decisive in a fixture that has historically been separated by the finest of margins.
As these South American heavyweights prepare to renew their rivalry at the MetLife Stadium, fans worldwide can anticipate a match characterized by intensity, technical quality, and the passionate competition that has defined this fixture. Whether Argentina can take another step toward retaining their continental crown or Chile can recapture the magic that delivered their historic triumphs, this encounter promises to deliver one of the most compelling chapters of the 2023 Copa America.
