Mascherano and Argentina defeat Bravo's Chile 2-1 at Copa America

Leo Messi is not used but Tata Martino’s side are still able to pick up an important win against the defending champions in Santa Clara

Argentina, managed by former Barça boss Tata Martino got off to a winning start at the Copa America Centenario with a 2-1 defeat of defending champions Chile in front of over 60,000 people at the Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara.

Chile were captained by Claudio Bravo in a rerun of the 2015 final, while Javier Mascherano played the full ninety for Argentina, although Leo Messi was left on the bench.

Ángel Di María of PSG (50) and Ever Banega of Sevilla (58) scored the goals against a side that was also coached by someone with a Barça past, Juan Antonio Pizzi.

José Pedro Fuenzalida goal for Chile in the third minute of injury served time was scant consolation for a Chile side that will now need to get something out of its two remaining games with Bolivia and Panama. The Panamanians celebrated their first ever Copa America match with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in Orlando.

That concludes the first round of matches in the group phase, and the action now returns to Group A, where the hosts will be looking to bounce back from 2-0 defeat to Colombia on the opening day as they face fellow Concacaf side Costa Rica in Chicago today. That game will be followed by Colombia v Paraguay at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena.

from News at FCB http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/mascherano-and-argentina-defeat-bravo-s-chile-2-1-at-copa-america