The group stage of Copa America Centenario rolls on with a matchup between soccer powerhouse Argentina and Panama. It’s going to be a spectacle for fans in Chicago with Argentina’s Lionel Messi being declared fit to play. It’ll give soccer fans a chance to watch one of the best players in the world strut his stuff Stateside.
Argentina just got even more dangerous with Lionel Messi declared fit to play. In his absence, Angel Di Maria proved that he can step up in the Argentine captain’s absence with a goal and assisting in another in a 2-1 victory over Chile on Monday. Nicolas Gaitan and Gonzalo Higuain also helped solidify an Argentina team missing their talismanic striker.
Getting Messi back should revitalize Argentina as he brings with him 108 caps and a team-leading 50 international goals. While the Barcelona star may take a little bit of time to get his gears going, Sergio Aguero is there to provide more firepower for the Albiceleste. Aguero has scored 32 goals on 73 international caps. He has scored 50 goals over the past two English Premier League seasons, playing for Manchester City.
This match is Argentina’s to lose. They have all the talent in the world at their disposal from Di Maria to Messi to Aguero. It’s going to be tough to find a chink in their armor, considering they’re unbeaten in their last four fixtures (three wins). They’ve outscored their opponents 12-3 in those matchups.
If there’s one weapon Panama has to beat Argentina, it’s Blas Perez. The Vancouver Whitecaps forward has plenty of experience playing on American soil due to his experience in MLS. He scored a brace in Panama’s first match of the tournament, beating Bolivia 2-1 on Tuesday. Perez will be very motivated to keep his hot game going in the Copa America.
Perez may actually even have the edge against Argentina’s Lionel Messi. As mentioned above, the Panamanian forward has plenty of experience playing Stateside, while the Argentine is playing on American soil for the very first time. Panama manager Hernan Dario is putting all his chips in that Perez can lift his team against one of the best in the world. But beating no. 1-ranked Argentina will be a totally different ball game compared to the narrow victory over 82nd-ranked Bolivia.
Panama is 5-2-2 in their last nine matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Argentina (-675) are just loaded with talent. They win this match 3-0 due to their superior firepower.
