The Argentinian team are seeking to end their country’s wait for a major title, with their barren spell now stretching back to 1993 after a penalty defeat to Chile in last year’s final.

Their hopes of revenge appeared to have been dented by Messi, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, being only fit enough to begin the match of the bench.

Organisers of the special edition of the tournament were left embarrassed for the second consecutive day after music by rapper Pitbull interrupted the conclusion of the Chile anthem before kick-off.

It came after Chile’s national anthem, Himno Nacional de Chile, was played instead of Uruguay’s Orientales, la Patria o la Tumba before kick-off in Uruguay's match with Mexico yesterday.

The first half saw Argentina’s Marcos Rojo miss his side’s best chance of opening the scoring by directing a header wide of the post, while Chile’s Alexis Sanchez saw two efforts saved.

Argentina were able to take the lead five minutes into the second half when Banega intercepted a pass and quickly found Di Maria.

The 28-year-old fired beyond Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to put his side in control, with the Argentine paying tribute to his grandmother, who died yesterday, during his celebration.

Having provided the first, Banega doubled his side’s advantage eight minutes later when his left foot strike deflected past Bravo.

The defending champions were able to score a consolation goal in injury time, with Jose Pedro Fuenzalida heading in from a curling free-kick.

Argentina were joined at the top of the Group D standings by Panama, who marked their Copa America debut with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia.

Blas Perez gave Panama an 11th minute lead in a match played in torrential rain, with the 35-year-old turning in an Alberto Quintero cross.

Poor defending from a set-piece allowed Juan Carlos Arce to level the score shortly after half-time, but a composed finish from Perez in the dying minutes of the game saw Panama eventually battle to victory.