After five long, grueling games, Argentina are ready to head into the 2015 Copa America final, where they will meet host nation Chile at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, on Saturday.
La Albiceleste, who last won this competition 12 years ago in 1993, overcame Colombia and Paraguay, whom they thrashed 6-1 in the penultimate round, to set up a mouthwatering encounter with Jorge Sampaoli’s crew.
The two-time World Cup champions have long waited to win the South America continental trophy, but their weekend tie may finally see them lay their hands on silverware.
Here are the top seven numbers and facts from Gerardo Martino's side's road to the final.
1-) Highest goal total of the tournament
Argentina's remarkable 6-1 thrashing of Paraguay in the last 4 is the highest goal total of the 2015 edition.
2-) Paraguay – Messi favorite victims
Leo did not score against La Albirroja, but did manage three assists, making them his favorite victims when playing for Argentina.
Messi's favourite opponents for Argentina in terms of goals + assists: 9 | Paraguay (4G/5A) 7 | Venezuela (3G/4A) 5 | Switzerland (3G/2A)
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) July 1, 2015
3-) Most shots, most assists, most successful dribbles
Argentina's captain boasts the most number of assists so far (3), most shots (26), and most successful dribbles (36).
Messi is so far the player with most assists (3), most successful dribbles (36) and most shots (26) in 2015 Copa America [via @barca19stats]
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) July 2, 2015
4-) 26 shots on goal, only one goal for La Pulga
The Barca man has registered 30 shots in the whole competition, but has only found the back of the net once, through a penalty. He has dished out three assists, however.
26 - No player has attempted more shots than Lionel Messi in this #CA2015: 26. Unbearable pic.twitter.com/IKtsGJEiA7
— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) July 3, 2015
4-) Unbeaten run continues
La Albiceleste have only lost one of their last 19 Copa America encounters, the last being there 2007 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the final.
5-) 27th final for La Albiceleste
The clash with Chile will be Argentina's 27th final in this competition., 14 of which have ended in the two-time World Cup winners' favor.
Argentina will play their 27th Copa América final tonight. They won 14 of their previous 26 finals, last in 1993 #CHIxARG
— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) July 4, 2015
6-) End of a 12-year wait?
Argentina, a power house in South America and on the world stage, have not won silverware since 1993, when they lifted the Copa America.
Their run in this year's competition hands them a golden opportunity to end their long wait. Will they be able to overcome La Roja?
