Magical Lionel Messi’s Golden Cameo Jolts Argentina into Life at Copa America

It only took Lionel Messi 29 minutes to send an ominous warning to the rest of the Copa America as Argentina steamed past Panama 5-0, inspired by an incredible hat-trick. Even more impressive, and troubling for the Albiceleste’s rivals, was that the Argentina did so without even moving out of second gear.  Messi’s presence or otherwise at Chicago’s Soldier Field was the big “will... 

Why Argentina Should Not Risk Lionel Messi Against Panama

As Lionel Messi continues his recovery from a back injury, the whole of Argentina waits to see how their captain and talisman’s health is progressing. But regardless of La Pulga’s physical state on Friday, the Albiceleste would be best served leaving him on the bench against Panama.  It is always a rather incongruous sight to see Messi out of the action. When on the pitch, the Barcelona... 

Argentina Ride out Lionel Messi’s Absence for Vital Win over Chile

No Lionel Messi, no problem? Hardly. But tenacious Argentina at least proved that when Leo cannot weave his magic, they still have the ability to grind out big results.  The Albiceleste rode their luck early on Monday night, but, ultimately, a 2-1 win was more than deserved as they took some measure of revenge over Chile for the Copa America final defeat just under a year ago. In the absence of... 

Alexis vs. Funes Mori and Messi vs. Bravo: 5 Key Clashes in Argentina vs. Chile

Argentina face Chile on Monday evening in a match fit for a final and a repeat of last year’s Copa America decider. The Albiceleste recovered some of their lost pride following that 2015 shootout defeat with a 2-1 World Cup qualifier win, but the wounds are still fresh, and much more is on the line than three Group D points.  Gerardo Martino and Juan Antonio Pizzi’s charges proved... 

2 Final Chances? Martino’s Argentina Job on Line at Copa America and Olympics

It has been 12 years since a Copa America and Olympic Games took place in the same year. In 2004, Argentina grabbed a gold medal in Athens and finished runners-up in the South American competition. It is not overly pessimistic to believe a similar result is necessary to keep Gerardo Martino in the hot seat.  “If you do not win the Copa, you cannot come out untouched,” he admitted to... 

Why 2016 Will Be the Year Lionel Messi Strikes Gold with Argentina

If Argentina are to break their 23-year trophy drought with the Copa America Centenario crown, Lionel Messi will once again be vital to their chances. But worrying scenes in San Juan, Argentina, showed the Albiceleste will also have to keep their captain and talisman wrapped in cotton wool to make sure La Pulga can explode stateside over the course of June. It was a picture no Argentina fan could stomach.... 

Lionel Messi Critics Miss the Mark After Argentina Defeat

Searching for a reason behind Argentina’s substandard performance in letting slip the Copa America title, captain Lionel Messi is an easy and visible target. But those critics who have focused on the Barcelona man’s woes are not seeing the real problems afflicting a national team whose displays still do not match the talent at its disposal. It had not been at all clear during the first... 

Chile Worthy Champions as Under-Par Argentina Limp to Another Final Defeat

With the two best teams disputing the final of a major international tournament, great things were expected of Chile and Argentina’s Copa America decider. Lionel Messi and his Albiceleste colleagues were not up to the task, however, and while the hosts celebrated wildly, Argentina slumped to a defeat that could signify the end of an era.  The margins in top competition are razor-thin. On... 

Argentina Need One Final Push to Break Trophy Drought

On Saturday evening in Santiago’s Estadio Nacional, Argentina and Chile will play more than just a simple game of football. For the hosts, the clash represents finally making their mark with a major international trophy after decades of close calls. For the Albiceleste, the Copa America means just as much.  After the disappointment of losing out on the World Cup last July to Germany’s... 

Awesome Argentina Finally Hit Peak in Copa America Rout

For the entire Copa America, Argentina had been promising a breakout performance. It took its time in coming, but a masterpiece 90 minutes to blow away Paraguay 6-1 on Wednesday and book a highly awaited final clash with Chile was well worth the wait for fans of the South American nation. It was a match approached not without trepidation by manager Gerardo Martino’s men. In the opening game... 

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