Copa America 2024: Lionel Messi, Argentina vs Chile in rematch of 2016 Final at MetLife

Argentina Look to Exorcise Demons Against Chile in Copa America Rematch

The stage is set for a fiery encounter tonight at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey as Argentina lock horns with Chile in a Copa America Group A clash. This isn't just any group stage match; it's a highly anticipated rematch of the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals.

 

 Forgot Argentina, the memories of those finals are etched in pain. They fell short on both occasions to their bitter rivals, with the 2016 defeat particularly stinging as it led Lionel Messi to announce a temporary retirement from international football. 

 

 Tonight, under the bright lights of New Jersey, Argentina has a chance for redemption. Messi, now 37 and a World Cup champion with Argentina, will be eager to rewrite the narrative. Argentine fans, who flooded the streets of New York City to celebrate his birthday this week, will undoubtedly be electric, adding another layer of intensity to the atmosphere. 

 

 Chile, on the other hand, will be looking to reignite their own Copa America dominance. They've been a force in the competition over the last decade, winning the title in both 2015 and 2016. Their squad boasts experience with Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal still leading the charge. This match promises more than just three points. It's a clash of history, rivalry, and a chance for both sides to prove a point. Can Argentina exorcise the demons of past defeats, or will Chile add another chapter to their Copa America success story? The world will be watching.