Some of the top South American players including Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez are expected to lit Copa America 2016 final on Sunday. Argentina meet Chile in what is expected to be a gripping affair at MetLife Stadium, entertaining the gathered crowd for this title-decider.
This Copa America 2016 final also happens to be a repeat of last year's finale, where Chile emerged victorious in penalties. Chile are keen to win their back-to-back title, but this time around they do not have that quality home support, like in 2015.
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Argentina have been flawless in the competition, winning all their matches so far en route to the final. They have looked the best team, and it would not be wrong to say Messi and his team are huge favourites to win their 10th Copa title.
With Messi in fine form, Argentina will be confident ahead of the Copa America 2016 final. The Barcelona forward has been impressive this competition, scoring as many as five goals. Add to it, he has played an integral role in providing assists to other players as well. Along with Messi, Higuain has also been one of the best players for Argentina.
With such performances, Messi has silenced critics, who felt he has never performed for the national team. Now, the forward has helped Argentina inch closer to a major silverware. Coach Gerardo Martino is happy with his present form, and Barcelona star can only multiply his boss' smiles if he manages to score, and play an important role in the title win.
"He's really found a very similar form as in Barcelona," espn.in quoted Martino as saying. "He's been playing with the same people for a long time -- that makes him feel very good, very happy.
"Really, I think for a long time now, he's been performing well for the national team. He's had many more positive performances than not-so-good performances."
Martino has already received some good news regarding his key player Angel Di Maria, who seems to have been passed fit for the final. The PSG star was injured in the quarterfinals against Panama, and missed the semifinals as well.
With Argentina fit and raring to go, Chile will need to be on top of their game in the final. Chile played their best game against Mexico, where they were ruthless in front of goal, winning the match 7-0. Another similar performance against Argentina will make the final even more interesting.
However, these two teams – Argentina and Chile – met earlier in the group stages, with Messi's team emerging victorious. But Chile might have learnt a great deal from that loss, and will be keen to make sure not to repeat mistakes. They need to find a way to stop Angel Di Maria, who has scored in their last two head-to-head outings.
Talking about the last game, things could have changed had their offencive players been clinical in front of goal. Vidal is not perturbed with the Argentina loss, but is confident after coming up with some good wins in the Copa America last few matches.
"[Argentina] beat us in the midfield, as well as being better than us almost all the game.They took advantage of the situations we didn't finish, but we are coming [into the final] with a lot of confidence. We hope to play the game of our lives," espn.in quoted Vidal as saying.
"There is no national team in the world that plays like Chile. Watching the Euros and the Copa America, there is no team that presses from the first minute."
Though Argentina will start the final as favourites, if Chile players like Sanchez and Vidal are given time on the ball to use their flair, they can help their team win the Copa America 2016 title.
Where to Watch Live
Argentina vs Chile -- the Copa America final -- is scheduled for a 8 p.m. ET (1 a.m. BST, 5.30 a.m. IST) start. TV and Live Streaming infromation below.
India: TV:Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD. Live Streaming:Sony Liv and ESPN.in.
USA: TV:Fox Sports. Live Streaming:FoxSoccer2Go and Fubo.tv.
UK: TV:Premier Sports. Live Streaming:Premier Player.
Canada:Univision.
South America/Latin America: TV:DirecTV. Live Streaming:DirecTV live.
Mexico: TV:Univision, TDN, Azteca.
Brazil: TV:SporTV.
China and Hong Kong: TV:PPTV Sports and LeTV.
Singapore:Singtel. Live Streaming:Singtel Go.
Thailand:TrueSport 1.
Australia, France and Spain: TV:Bein Sports. Live Streaming:Bein Sports Connect.
