Saturday 4 July 2015 20:53, UK
Chile take on Argentina in the Copa America final on Saturday with both teams looking to end their respective trophy droughts.
While the tournament hosts have never won the continental title, Argentina have triumphed on 14 occasions but their last success was in 1993.
Lionel Messi was just six years-old when Argentina last collected silverware. The final gives the Barcelona star a chance to put an end to much of the criticism he has received from those who believe he fails to repeat his club performances on the international stage by helping his team to victory.
After a number of near misses, including last year’s World Cup final loss to Germany, Argentina are determined to end their 22 year trophy-less streak.
"We are stubborn," said midfielder Javier Mascherano. "We keep trying to win one of these championships. Hopefully it will finally happen on Saturday."
However, they face a huge challenge to overcome the home nation. Not only are Chile likely to be backed by the vast majority inside Santiago’s Estadio Nacional but they also boast one of the most talented squads in their history led by the likes of Claudio Bravo, Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez.
Managed by an Argentine in Jorge Sampaoli, Chile will be competing in their first Copa America final in 28 years and hoping for victory in what will be their fifth final.
Some have suggested that the pressure of delivery the country’s first major trophy and doing so on home soil could be too much for the Chile players but Bravo disagrees.
"For a lot of people it would be enough to have reached the final," said the Barcelona goalkeeper. "What could be better than winning the Copa America playing at home?
"We are not afraid. The word 'fear' hasn't been spoken by any of my teammates. This is something only (the media) is talking about."
Argentina arrive into the final in excellent form having thrashed Paraguay 6-1 in the semi-final, with Messi assisting five, while two goals from Eduardo Vargas saw Chile advance against 10-man Peru in the last four.
Chile will be without Gonzalo Jara after the defender was suspended following his prodding incident with Uruguay striker Edison Cavani. However, Arturo Vidal is set to play after being allowed to remain with the squad despite crashing his car while drunk after a group stage match.
Argentina coach Gerardo Martino must wait to see if defender Ezequiel Garay will be available, as he continues to nurse a stomach illness.
Follow the Copa America final - kick-off 9pm BST - with our live blog on skysports.com or via the Sky Sports apps.
