Sanchez vs Messi: can Chile beat Argentina in Copa America?

Chile have the chance to win their first major international tournament in Saturday's Copa America final, but will face an almighty challenge from last year's World Cup finalists Argentina.

The Chileans, led by coach Jorge Sampaoli and Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal, have reached the tournament's final four times in the past but are yet to get their hands on the prize. Their most recent trip to the final was in 1987, with only one semi-final appearance since then.

They will face an Argentina side coming off the back of a 6-1 demolition of Paraguay. Angel Di Maria grabbed a brace and although Lionel Messi didn't score he contributed a hat-trick of assists in a sparkling attacking display.

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The Argentines have two Copa America titles to their name, but have a poor recent record in finals. In addition to their World Cup final defeat last summer, the Albicelestes lost both the 2003 and 2007 finals of their continental competition.

Chile's free-flowing attacking style has gained them many admirers during the competition, as it did at last year's World Cup. They often line up with only two true defenders, as the wing-backs spend so much time up the field they cannot be considered part of the defensive unit at all.

Whatever the result, it's likely to be an open game. "Sampaoli's aim is always to attack and grasp the game by the scruff of the neck, to pressure the opponent in their half of the field, to attack quickly down the flanks, to throw men forward at pace," writes Tim Vickery for ESPN.

The likes of Arsenal star Sanchez and Juventus' Arturo Vidal have impressed for La Roja in the earlier rounds, and those who watched any QPR matches last season may be surprised to see Premier League flop Eduardo Vargas leading the goalscoring charts for the Chileans, with four goals.

Argentina have a plethora of weapons of their own, from last season's Premier League top scorer Sergio Aguero to Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain, but their attack will naturally focus on one small man from Rosario.

It is over ten hours since Messi scored from open play, but that didn't diminish his impact in the semi-final. "Here, of the six goals, he played the final pass three times, the penultimate pass twice and the pre-penultimate pass once. He was, simply, unstoppable," said Jonathan Wilson in The Guardian.

The one gap on the 28-year-old's CV is a win in an international tournament, his unique talents have so far failed to end Argentina's 22-year trophy drought. His side will start as favourites, but can expect to be pushed to the very limit by a Chile side with nothing to lose.