Argentina, who sits at -215, will aim to extend its winning streak to seven games when it takes on Chile at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday evening. La Albiceleste began their Copa America campaign with a 2-0 victory over Canada last week, courtesy of goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
They will clinch a place in the knockout stage of the tournament if they beat Chile in this game.
Chile heads into this game as a heavy underdog (+700) against its eastern neighbor. La Roja are winless in their last six games against Argentina, a run stretching back to 2016.
However, they have some dangerous forwards in their ranks, so the Argentinians cannot afford to take this game lightly. See below for game odds and additional Copa America betting information.
Chile vs. Argentina live odds & lines
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Chile vs. Argentina player props
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Chile might have to keep Messi quiet to win
Chile suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Argentina when these teams last met. That game took place on home soil in Calama, and the Argentinians were missing Lionel Messi. Ben Brereton Diaz scored for Chile, but goals from Ángel Di María and Lautaro Martínez handed Argentina a road win.
Things could be even more difficult for Chile on Tuesday, as this game will take place on neutral soil in New Jersey, and Messi appears likely to start. The Inter Miami forward has scored three goals in his last four games against Chile, so La Roja will need to find a way to keep him quiet if they are to win this game. However, Di María and Martínez are also dangerous, so Chile’s defenders will face a stern test.
Argentina’s path to victory likely includes Julián Álvarez
Lionel Scaloni decided to start Manchester City’s Julián Álvarez alongside Messi in attack against Canada. It was a bold call, as Lautaro Martínez is coming off an impressive season for Inter Milan, with 24 goals in 33 Serie A games. However, Scaloni was vindicated after Álvarez delivered a superb performance.
He opened the scoring at 49 minutes, and he looked lively throughout the game. Álvarez formed a strong partnership with Messi at the 2022 World Cup, and they linked up well against Canada. Martínez came off the bench to score Argentina’s second goal, but Álvarez is likely to keep his place in the starting XI. Chile’s defenders will try their best to mark Messi out of the game, which should provide Álvarez with plenty of space in which to weave his magic, so he could prove decisive for La Albiceleste.
Chile starting 11
Claudio Bravo is now 41 years of age, but he remains Chile’s first-choice goalkeeper, and he also captains the team. Manager Ricardo Gareca likes to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation, and Gabriel Suazo, Igor Lichnovsky, Pablo Díaz, and Mauricio Isla should form a back four, with Erick Pulgar and Marcelino Núñez sitting at the base of the midfield.
Alexis Sánchez has played as a winger and a striker throughout his career, but he often appears in the No. 10 role for Chile these days. He could prove to be Chile’s main goal threat, supported by fellow veteran Eduardo Vargas, Víctor Dávila, and either Diego Valdes or Darío Osorio.
Argentina starting 11
Argentina could stick with the same team that beat Canada 2-0 on Thursday. Emiliano Martínez has firmly established himself as the No. 1 goalkeeper. Marcos Acuña will start at left-back, with Atlético Madrid’s Nahuel Molina at right-back. Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez will play in the center of the defense.
Enzo Fernández is not fully fit, as he only just returned from a long-term injury layoff, so Leandro Paredes played alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield against Canada. They appear likely to all keep their places, with Ángel Di María on the left wing, pushing up to support Messi and Álvarez in attack whenever possible. Martínez and Giovani Lo Celso are likely to start on the bench, but both could appear in the second half.
