Argentina vs Chile: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction
Argentina and Chile will start their 2021 Copa America journey tonight as they face each other at the Olimpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro.
The tournament has been chaotic already as CONMEBOL named Brazil the host nation two weeks prior to kick off, but nations are now settled and ready to play.
This match up is widely anticipated as one of the most historic of the tournament. The two nations will commence their campaign by reliving the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals, where Chile defeated Argentina on both occasions.
Argentina has yet to win a major tournament since the 1993 South American championship, giving La Albiceleste a reason to strive for the final. Lionel Messi recently came out in support of the team, detailing his ambitions to reach their third Copa America final in the last decade and finally lift the trophy.
Chile, on the other hand, thrive at Copa America, winning consecutively in 2015 and 2016, narrowly edging out Argentina. La Roja has been on a slight decline due to injuries and roster changes, but the nation remains Copa America royalty.
Here's everything you need to know about the match...
What TV channel is Argentina vs. Chile on?
When is kick off? Monday June 14, 5:00 pm (ET)
Where is the match being played? Olimpico Nilton Santos, Rio de Janeiro
What TV channel is it on? Fox Sports 1, Univision
What live stream is it on? TUDN app, Univision NOW, Fox Sports app
Who is the referee? Wilmar Roldan (COL)
Who’s on VAR duty? Jhon A. Ospina (COL)
Argentina team news
Argentina enter the competition as Group B favorites.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni selected a strong roster for the 2021 Copa America with the hopes to finally lift the trophy. Papu Gomez, Angel Correa, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Messi are all expected to start against Chile.
There are notable absentees from the squad, however, including new Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia and Sevilla forward Lucas Ocampos.
Chile team news
Head coach Martin Lasarte hopes to regain control of the title after consecutive wins. Despite a difficult group stage, Lasarte remains confident in his side.
Though Chile last won Copa America in 2016, their starting XI going into this year’s tournament remains largely unchanged. Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas are expected to lead the offensive, while Gary Medel, Mauricio Isla and Claudio Bravo remain part of the team.
Predicted line ups
Argentina: Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; Lo Celso, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, Martinez, Di Maria
Chile: Bravo; Isla, Medel, Maripan, Mena; Pulgar, Vidal, Aranguiz, Meneses; Vargas, Sanchez
Argentina vs. Chile head to head record
Argentina and Chile have faced each other a total of 93 times. Argentina currently leads with 61 victories, 24 draws and 8 loses against Chile. Despite beating Argentina in two finals, La Roja has never won against La Albiceleste in the 90 minutes of play. In order to triumph, Chile has resorted to extra time and penalties.
The two nations last faced each other in the match for third place, where Argentina dramatically won 2-1 with goals from Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala. As the match intensified and the situation turned violent, Messi and Gary Medel both exited the match with a red card.
Argentina vs Chile score prediction
Both nations come prepared with strong offensive options, making this a match of goals. Historically, games between Argentina and Chile have been equivalent in possession and shots on goal. It won’t be an easy one for either side, but there will be plenty of action.
Prediction: 2-1