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Copa America: Argentina para campeon?

HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina during the Copa America Centenario Semifinal match between United States and Argentina at NRG Stadium on June 21, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Argentina won the match 4-0 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
Copa America: Argentina para campeon?

In English we call it a Teacher, in Japanese Sensei, in French Professeur and in Spanish, we can now call it: El MESSI. His extraordinary futbol skills, overall vision, technique, attitude, and team oriented mentality, make him without a doubt one of the best soccer players on the planet; of course, a perfect fit for the best global sport.

 

And although the second argument is completely biased and debatable; the first one is definitely not. Even the most aggressive critics would have to agree that Lionel Messi will go down in history as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His name will appear undoubtedly right next to other professors like: Pele, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Garrincha, Eusebio, Puskas, Shilton, Maldini, Platini, Zico, Milla, Zidane, Robben, Ibrahimovic, Xavi, Ronaldo, Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Macherano and Marquez to mention a few.

However, is having “The Master” enough to win you a game? Perhaps. So, is Messi the main reason why Argentina is currently playing so well? Maybe. But is it fair to argue that one player’s presence on the pitch is enough to win a championship? I don’t’ think so, in fact, absolutely not! Although having “El Messi” or any of the previously listed masters in your team, gives you a clear advantage, it is definitely not enough to win a championship. But why?

Because Football is a team sport! A collective effort that, if executed correctly, can translate into championships, otherwise it becomes pure individualism, which works for marketing but not to win championships. If you don’t agree, just ask Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal.

 

Besides, not a single mature and smart player in the history of the sport would ever argue that their success was only because of their own efforts. Only the foolish would ever claim that they did it all by themselves. Rather, most football experts would agree that the main reason why many teams succeed is because they were able to find a group of players, who found a common style of play, thus reaching their goals.

And this is what both Chile and Argentina have done. It only takes a few seconds of reading each team’s roster and watching them perform, to recognize their skill level. These players are not from the bunch, these are unique players who currently belong to some of the most important clubs around the world, and that clearly have what it takes to compete against any team under any setting.

 

It is definitely not a coincidence that both teams are once again in the final of Copa America. Again, a great opportunity for both teams to make history.

If Argentina wins, they will be one more step closer to Uruguay, the top cup winner. They will also end a 23-year major trophy drought. They will also avenge their two previous cup Final losses (World Cup 2014 and Copa America 2015). In addition Messi will add his first major international trophy to go along with his 28 titles with Barcelona.

If Chile wins, aside from becoming back-to-back Copa America winners, a confirmation that this generation of Chilenos means business as they prepare for Russia 2018 qualifiers and definitely be known to the world as World Cup contenders.

Can Chile defeat their rival again?

The stage is set for this Sunday June 26th at Metlife Stadium, where both teams will enter a battle field where anything is possible. The only difference in that Argentina has “El Messi”…

Keep it right here on The Stoppage Time, powered by Azteca Soccer, for USMNT and Copa América news. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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