Summary Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez and Bayern Munich's Arturo Vidal both start
SANTA CLARA (AFP) - Argentina captain Lionel Messi was left out of the starting line-up for his team s Copa America Centenario opener against Chile here Monday.
Messi, who injured his back in a recent friendly against Honduras, is replaced by Benfica s Nicolas Gaitan in attack.
It is the first time Messi has not been named in Argentina s starting line-up during a major tournament since he was left on the bench for a game against Venezuela during the 2007 Copa America.
There were few surprises elsewhere in a powerful Argentina line-up bristling with European based talent despite injuries to Javier Pastore and Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain both start along with Ever Banega and Barcelona s Javier Mascherano.
Chile were at full strength, with the core of the team who defeated Argentina in the final of last year s Copa America starting.
Arsenal s Alexis Sanchez and Bayern Munich s Arturo Vidal both start.
