Copa America 2024 tips and predictions: Chile vs Argentina - Chileans powerless to stop Messi’s magic

Argentina continue their Copa America campaign against Chile in the early hours of Wednesday morning, knowing a win would secure safe passage to the knockout phase.

Canada boss Jesse Marsch was frustrated with Lionel Scaloni’s side, saying they made the Canadians wait for an extra ‘20, 30 minutes’ before coming out for the second half.

In truth, it took them a while to get going, which is typical of a first match at a tournament. Once they found their rhythm, Canada were increasingly powerless to stop them.

Angel Di Maria should have fired them ahead in the 8th minute but by the 65th minute, it was one-way traffic and a question of how many the World Champions fancied.

 

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Chile drew 0-0 with Peru in a dismal opening game. Peru offered nothing in the first half where Alexis Sanchez squandered a glorious chance worth 0.59xG.

That was more than half of what the Chileans produced in the entire game as they dominated possession but struggled to find the final ball against a stubborn opponent.

On the evidence of what we’ve seen so far, we suspect Argentina won’t need to be as patient on Tuesday. Scaloni’s side should be able to create chances early and often.

Lionel Messi, as you’d expect, ran the show against Canada. The little magician got six shots off and create five further chances for teammates, one of which was scored.

 

Key stats

- Argentina are unbeaten in 12 meetings dating back to 2012
- When the sides last met in 2022, Argentina won 2-1 in Chile
- Lionel Messi created six chances and took five shots against Canada
- Chile are in poor form, failing to win eight of their last 11 matches
- Chile are winless in nine of their last 10 matches at Copa America

 

Suggested bets

Lionel Messi to score

Argentina to win to nil