Argentina vs. Chile Betting Odds Preview, Copa America Championship Prediction

A rematch of the 2015 Copa America final will take place Sunday when Argentina attempts to avenge a loss to Chile, as a solid -140 betting favorite (bet $140 to win $100) at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Argentinians have dominated the tournament so far and topped the Chileans to win Group D with a perfect 3-0 record, taking the first meeting 2-1 without Lionel Messi. Chile won last year’s final on penalty kicks 4-1 as the host and will try to repeat as a +400 underdog.

Match Odds: Argentina -140, Chile +400, Draw +260

All eyes will be on Messi in the final, as his brilliant play since recovering from a back injury has propelled Argentina to their fourth title game in five years. It's not that the Argentinians wouldn’t be here without him, but they may not be favored in this spot.

Argentina's dominance in the tourney has been unmatched, outscoring opponents by a 18-2 margin, thanks in part to Messi's team-leading five goals. The Argentinians are coming off a 4-0 rout of the United States in the semifinals Tuesday in Houston, following a 4-1 win over Venezuela in the quarters.

Meanwhile, betting underdog Chile will look to avenge that opening loss, which remains their lone setback in five games. Since then, the Chileans have outscored the opposition 15-3, including a pair of shutouts in the knockout stage.

Their 7-0 blowout of Mexico in the quarters last Saturday may have been the most impressive victory of any team in the tourney to date behind four goals from Eduardo Vargas, who is the top scorer in the tournament with six overall.

Vargas has been outstanding offensively, but goaltender Claudio Bravo has been equally impressive in net lately and was the difference in last year’s final, allowing only a goal to Messi on a penalty kick.

Bravo’s play will again be the key here, especially with Messi leading a spirited Argentina squad that looks unbeatable right now. After surrendering two goals twice in group play, Bravo has settled down by posting back-to-back shutouts, although the Argentinians were one of the two teams that scored twice against him—and that was without Messi.

Both teams have been scoring machines, and the addition of Messi for this matchup should help take the final to another level. In a highly entertaining game, Argentina will edge Chile for the championship.

Prediction: Argentina 3-2 Chile

All betting lines data courtesy of Odds Shark. Check out the latest Copa America news.