Argentina's trophy drought no guide to final: Tite; Colombia finish third

Argentina have not won a major title since liting the Copa America in 1993 and their top player Lionel Messi has never won a major trophy with the national side

RIO DE JANEIRO

Argentina’s 28 barren years without a major title will have no bearing on the outcome of their Copa America final against Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil coach Tite said on Friday.

The two South American giants meet on Sunday at the Maracana stadium with Argentina’s long drought once again the major topic of conversation.

The visitors have not won a major title since lifting the Copa America in 1993 and their top player Lionel Messi has never won a major trophy with the national side.

“That’s the past, you can’t look at the past as a guide,” Tite said. “We are unbeaten in the last two Copas America, we have better numbers but I don’t see that has much significance.”

The expectation and banter has ramped up on both sides – Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro told his Argentine opposite number last week he expected Brazil to win 5-0 – but Tite downplayed the mind games.

“It’s a mental marathon we face,” he said. “Our game is different from that of the press and the fans. In terms of preparation and training and concentration. We are focusing on our priorities.”