Argentina are looking for a place in the 2015 Copa America final with Paraguay standing in their way. Their last final was in 2007 at the tournament held in Venezuela, which was also Messi’s first Copa America competition. On that occasion they were beaten by Brazil. For the Barça midfielder, this is a golden opportunity to finally win a major trophy with his national team, something that has evaded the player to date.
After 17 days of competition, Martino’s team face Paraguay again (they played out a 2-2 draw in their respective debut match of the tournament). This time however, both teams have had time to gel and improve on their individual styles of play. Both sides are strengthened emotionally with impressive displays in their paths to the semi-final. Argentina now finally feel they have found a balanced team and the coach is not expected to make any changes from the team that saw off Colombia in the quarter-final. Martino has also decided to risk playing three of his key players, (Messi, Mascherano and Agüero) who are just one yellow card away from an automatic suspension that would see them miss the final should they make it through.
Paraguay come into the final boosted after Saturday's dramatic penalty shoot-out against Brazil. Despite facing one of the pre-tournament favorites, Paraguay are happy with their outsider role. The presence of Ramón Diaz on the Paraguayan bench (an Argentina and River Plate legend) adds a boost of intrigue to the game and Paraguay know that to overcome Argentina playing with 100€ concentration will be a key factor.
Argentina looking for their 27th Copa America final
Argentina will be hoping to reach their 27th final of the tournament. They have won the competition on 14 occasions. Their last title was secured in 1993 and they lost against Brazil in the 2004 and 2007 finals. With Brazil eliminated, only Paraguay can stop them from reaching a final against host nation, Chile in Santiago next Saturday.
Follow the Copa América timetable here.
And the day-to-day fixtures here.