(Getty)
Argentina is the world’s top-ranked team, but they could be without their top-ranked player for Monday’s Group D contest against Chile.
Lionel Messi is dealing with a back injury heading into Copa America Centenario, and his status is questionable for Argentina’s first match. The five-time Ballon D’Or winner trained on Friday and Saturday, but separately from the team and was not allowed to run.
Messi’s presence obviously lifts Argentina, but they still present a formidable attack without him. Higuain, Lavezzi and Aguero are all legitimate scoring threats for elite clubs, as Argentina’s roster is filled with recognizable names from Europe’s top teams.
With all that talent, it’s hard to believe Gerardo Martino’s squad has yet to win this competition. Argentina have not won Copa America since 1993, but have lost in the final three times since that victory. Last year it was to hosts Chile, who needed penalties after a scoreless 120 minute final.
Here are the basics:
DATE: June 6, 2016
CHANNEL: Fox Sports 1/Univision
KICKOFF TIME: 10:00 p.m. Eastern
LOCATION: Levi’s Stadium
LIVE STREAM: Click here for all the live stream information
THE LINEUPS
Argentina: Romero, Mercado, Otamendi, Funes Mori, Rojo, Augusto Fernandez, Mascherano, Gaitan, Banega, Di Maria, Higuain
Chile: Bravo, Isla, Medel, Jara, Mena, Aranguiz, Marcelo Diaz, Vidal, Beausejour, Vargas, Alexis
Find out how to watch this game in Spanish at AhoraMismo.com:
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Argentina vs. Chile: Time, Channel & Lineup