Copa America Centenario favourites Argentina go into a crucial match against Venezuela in the Copa America 2016 quarterfinals at the Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, on Saturday. The winner of the match takes on hosts United States in the semifinals of the tournament.
The USA and Colombia have already progressed to the last four of the competition this time around.
La Albiceleste come into the game with a perfect record — three wins from three group games. Lionel Messi's side have also conceded just once and scored 10 times over the three games; also bagging the best goal difference record among all teams from the group stages.
Venezuela are also unbeaten in the tournament. They have bagged two wins and a draw so far in the competition, which also includes knocking out Uruguay, one of the most successful teams in Copa America, out of the competition this time.
Barcelona superstar Messi, who scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Panama in one of their group games, is fit to appear once again for his team in the quarterfinals. "As we move forward, we're going to grow," said the 28-year-old forward to ESPN ahead of the game. "We are doing well in all aspects. We have already been working together for a while and have got to know the coaching staff, and they us. From the beginning until now, we have grown a lot."
The 'little magician' also sounded a warning that Venezuela just cannot be underestimated. "Some think Venezuela are an easy opponent but they are not. We will not take anything for granted, we know what is at stake," continued Messi. "If Venezuela have reached the quarter-finals, it's on merit. No one gave them anything. They are not better than Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay, obviously, but if Venezuela are there they deserve it."
The best finish for Venezuela in the Copa America came in the year 2011, when they finished fourth. Rafael Dudamel's side, this time, are looking to better that record.
"We are convinced and we believe in our ability because we have prepared well," said Venezuela striker Salomon Rondon, who was the only scorer for his side against Uruguay in Copa America 2016. "We have an incredible group and even though we are playing a difficult rival, we don't feel like we're below anyone," he added.
Where to watch live
Copa America 2016: Argentina vs Venezuela is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET (4:30 a.m. IST, 12 p.m. BST) start on June 18, 2016.
India: Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD. Live streaming: Sony Liv.
United Kingdom: Premier Sports. Live streaming: None.
United States of America: Fubo TV, Univision USA. Live streaming: Fox Sports Go.
Argentina: DirecTV Sports Argentina, Canal 7 TV Publica. Live streaming: DirecTV Play Deportes.
Venezuela: DirecTV Sports Venezuela, Meridiano TV. Live streaming: DirecTV Play Deportes.
