Chile beat Argentina in penalty kicks, win 2nd straight Copa title

Lionel Messi and Argentina missed out on international glory once again, as Chile claimed the Copa America Centenario 4-2 on penalties.

After Sergio Romero stopped Arturo Vidal’s first attempt, the Barcelona man’s miss and Claudio Bravo’s save on Lucas Biglia proved the difference, helping La Roja claim back to back titles in a match that saw neither side able to hit the back of the net.

Unfortunately for Messi and teammates, who fell to Chile on penalties in last year’s final as well, their streak of 23 years without a senior international title continues.

It all looked so promising early on for the Albiceleste, as Gonzalo Higuain was sent in all alone after a miscue in the Chilean backline. However, the Napoli striker chipped his effort left of the goal.

Nicolas Otamendi had another chance soon after only to see his header from a Messi freekick hit the side netting.

Things got heated in the 28th minute as Chile were reduced to 10-men. Marcelo Diaz was shown a second yellow for a foul on the Barcelona striker, only for Argentina to squander the advantage just before the half when Marcos Rojo was shown a straight red for a foul on Vidal.

A cautious second half saw both teams struggle to create chances, with Sergio Aguero’s late effort a rare venture forward for the Albiceleste, though his strike was well off the mark.

The Manchester City man had the best chance in extra time as well, but his header – which looked destined for the top corner – was somehow stopped by Bravo in the 100th minute.

Thus, penalties were needed to decide the final in front of 82,016 fans at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

It seemed as though the stars had finally aligned for Argentine as Romero made a great save to deny Vidal on Chile’s first attempt.

However, it wasn’t to be as Messi stepped up next and fired his effort high over the bar. His agony was evident, and only increased once Biglia saw his attempt stopped soon after.

That opened the door for Francisco Silva to step up and secure a second Copa America title for La Roja, while consigning Argentina to their third defeat in three finals after the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Copa America.