Copa America 2016 Semifinals Argentina vs USA Preview: Lionel Messi Prepared to Take on Tournament Hosts; Kickoff, TV Info, Live Streaming and Tickets
Argentina Favored to Win Game, Team USA Not Backing Down
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi is ready to face the US football team on Tuesday night for the Copa America 2016 semifinals.
Playing during the team's win versus Venezuela on Saturday, Messi is now looking forward to go against the tournament hosts and secure a spot for the next round, which will determine the winner of the Copa America Centenario. He initially did not play during Argentina's opening game versus Chile but appeared for about 30 minutes during their win against Panama for the group stage.
Messi is Unstoppable
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The 28-year-old forward stunned Panama with a 5-0 win then went on undefeated versus Bolivia then recently, Venezuela. Argentina is usually unstoppable as a team when Messi is on fire. His teammates become equally productive when the main man on lineup is scoring goals left and right.
In addition, Messi recently celebrated his 54th international goal, which tied the record set by Gabriel Batistuta. "I tied it," he mentioned but claimed that he has not yet surpassed or broken the existing record.
What is USA's Gameplan?
Argentina's star player is the biggest threat for a USA victory on Tuesday night, but USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said the team is ready to take on their powerful opponent. "We take it as it comes," the coach said. He added that the team has faced equally talented football players like Cristiano Ronaldo in the past.
It is not unknown that Argentina is the favored team to win the upcoming matchup but Team USA remains determined to give them a hard fight. Though many people doubted if the host country will advance up to this point, they have proven the opposite and they hope to continue doing the same during the entire tournament.
However, the Americans need to deliver a great performance without some of the most important players on the team like Alejandro Bedoya, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood who were suspended for the semifinals because of earlier violations they committed.
Meeting After Five Years
Both teams last played against each other on March 26, 2011. The match at the MetLife Stadium ended up with a 1-1 draw after Juan Agudelo tied the game.
Tuesday's game will begin at 9 p.m. at the the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Tickets for the live match cost around $150 to $300. It will also be broadcasted on FS1, Univision and UDN with online live streaming also available for fans.
