Copa America: Is Lionel Messi starting vs Chile?

Is Lionel Messi starting for Argentina vs Chile in a rematch of the 2015 Copa America Final?

Copa America Group D action kicks off on Monday night. Argentina and Chile face off in a rematch of the 2015 Copa America Final as both teams look to kick off their group stage games with a win and three points. However, Argentina will begin the game without their superstar and playmaker Lionel Messi who is officially listed as a sub for Monday’s match against Chile.

The Copa America Centenario has been filled with many brilliant and controversial moments so far. Hopefully the last match of the first round of the group stage will be filled more with great soccer plays than referees messing up or players playing down right silly.

Argentina arguably starts off their Copa America group stage matches with their toughest Group D competition in Chile. The two CONMEBOL sides have a rich history against each other and are familiar with their opponent’s players and playing style.

It’s smart of Argentina to start Messi on the bench on Monday as he hasn’t been at 100% leading up to the match and would be wise to gradually work him into a full shift of playing time rather than throwing him into the match. Monday’s match will be especially physical, so it’s better for Argentina and Messi’s recovery if he is used in the second half.

There’s an obvious advantage for Argentina by having a talented player like Messi available off the bench. Yet, the rest of the squad needs to step up in his absence and not go down early against Chile. If the South American side goes down by more than one goal early on, Messi may be summoned off the bench earlier than the original game plan.

If all goes to plan, Messi will most likely come in for between 30-45 minutes of action as he regains full fitness as the Copa America action continues throughout June.

For more coverage of the Copa America, check out our soccer hub page.