Copa America Final 2016: Latest Comments for Argentina vs. Chile

Chile and Argentina are preparing for a rematch of 2015's Copa America final, a game won by the former only after penalties following a goalless draw at the end of extra time.

Now the two familiar foes meet at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Sunday, both in free-scoring form. Chile scored nine goals in quarter-final and semi-final wins over Mexico and Colombia, respectively. Argentina managed just one fewer after smashing four past both Venezuela and hosts USA.

It's Argentina who seem like viable favourites. Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain lead an awesome forward line, with Manchester City's goal-getter Sergio Aguero in reserve.

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Argentina legend Diego Maradona is confident his nation will win, but he offered a blunt suggestion about what Messi and Co. should do in the event of failure, according to MailOnline's Matt Hermann: "If you don't win, don't come back. If they play anything like they did against the United States on Tuesday, that shouldn't be a problem."

Maradona had been critical of Messi at the start of the tournament, claiming the gifted No. 10 lacks [the] character to be a leader," per Goal.com's Iain Strachan.

But as Jorge Valdano noted, Messi has offered the right rebuke to Maradona's comments, according to Argentina Football:

The man chiefly responsible for standing in the way of Messi and his team-mates is Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. He's been earning plaudits for his leadership qualities.

Jose Fuenzalida has praised the importance of a stopper often overlooked in a squad otherwise littered with creative, forward-thinking talent, per ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle:

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[Bravo is] a top level player. He had some games that weren't as good but he's a leader on and off the field. For us he is fundamental. I'm happy for him because today he had a great game and he is an important player that we need.

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Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi echoed those thoughts, according to the same article: "Claudio is a leader, a captain. In addition to that, speaking in terms of soccer, he has a lot of personality to bring everyone back to earth when we have difficulty."

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It won't be easy for Bravo to thwart Messi in the sort of form that's produced five goals and a quartet of assists so far at this tournament, according to Fox Soccer. But Chile have their own goalscoring threats, specifically forwards Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas, who've combined to find the net nine times.

Yet, it's about more than just goals with Sanchez. He's Chile's talisman, a player who takes the game to the opposition and, like Messi, is rarely contained by fair means, as OptaJavier detailed:

Sanchez is a legitimate match-winner, but Arturo Vidal's return will be a boost as the midfield workhorse returns from his suspension for the semi-final. He and Sanchez enjoy a testy on-pitch relationship due to the desire of both to be the main man for their nation.

It's a rivalry that works to Chile's benefit, according to ESPN FC's Nick Dorrington, as the squad's two best players always attempt to outdo one another. The Sanchez and Vidal partnership, uneasy though it may be at times, is the holders' best counter to a rampant Messi.

Chile triumphed last year by carrying the game to Argentina and forcing them into a reactive style of play. But the current vintage of La Albiceleste seems more equipped to do its own share of dominating in the final third this time around.

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Chile