Argentina and Venezuela face off in the Copa America quarterfinals on Sunday.

For many, this game is a shoe-in for Argentina into the semifinals. Not only do they have the best player in the world on their side, but they have utterly dominated the competition without needing him for a full 90 minutes yet. In fact, Lionel Messi has yet to play 90 minutes in this tournament and has already made his mark with a hat trick in 30 minutes against Panama.

Argentina started its run with a solid and defining 2-1 win over defending champions Chile, annihilated Panama 5-0 and added another 3-0 win against Bolivia on Tuesday.

But those overlooking Venezuela should be careful. The Vinotinto have been solid in this tournament, picking up seven points in three games, six more than they have in six games of World Cup qualifiers this cycle. Throw in the team's solid defense, which has only conceded one goal, and you have a truly promising competitor.

Player to Watch

Messi has yet to play a full game for Argentina, but the reality is that he has not needed to. That said, his fitness will be tested as he has played a grueling year for his club, fighting injury all the way up to the start of this tournament. Throw in his intensive summers in 2015 and 2016 and you have a player on the precipice of burnout if not properly managed.

History says...

Argentina has won 20 games against Venezuela and has only lost one! Fortunately for Venezuela that win came in 2011, but the rest of the matches between these sides do the Vinotinto no favors.

Argentina will win if...

It continues playing with the swagger it has displayed to this point. The team simply looks untouchable offensively, completely dismantling the opposition with every forward move. Messi has not needed to be a hero yet, though he has been brilliant in this time for Argentina.

Venezuela will win if...

It players a structured defensive game and plays aggressively against Argentina. Only through physicality and a swift counter will Venezuela have any hopes of making a deep run in this tournament.

Prediction

Argentina has its way with Venezuela, winning 4-0.

Start Time and Streaming Info

The game starts at 7 p.m. EDT on Saturday June 18 and can be viewed on Fox Sports 1 or Univision. Those with a FuboTV app can watch the game on a mobile device.

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