In the second Copa America final in a row, Chile was facing the number one team in the world, Argentina. Although Lionel Messi and company were the favorites going into it, Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez are no pushovers. The Chilean team had proven the whole tournament they could play together at the highest level, even when they were missing some of their most key players on the pitch.
The tension and emotions were high as soon as the game kicked off, with both teams challenging each other and playing physical. So much that the ref had to dish out multiple yellow cards (7 total) and two red cards before the half hour mark.
Things calmed down in the second half, but both teams had chances to win the game that were missed.
The best moment of the game came after extra time and things were level at 0-0 and it went to penalty kicks. With both teams completely exhausted, it was one last push and PK’s would decide the game.
In a shocking turn of events, Chile had their first kick blocked, then Messi stepped up for his shot and was completely off the mark. After the miss, you knew things would go wrong for Argentina.
Another look at Lionel Messi's PK miss in the shootout loss to Chile. #ARGvCHI #CopaAmerica https://t.co/f5WH7gdsPA
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2016
Messi’s missed PK
The team still battled and converted a few kicks to stay in the game but when it came down to it, Francisco Silva sealed the game for Chile and gave them the back-to-back Copa America win.
Francisco Silva delivers the winning PK to seal a second straight #CopaAmerica title for Chile. #ARGvCHI https://t.co/60wpXjGc4n
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2016
The Game winner
The soccer world will definitely be talking about the Messi miss for a good while, asking whether or not he can carry this team into “Best of All-Time” conversation, with as many world class players on it. The curse remains for the icon, because he still hasn’t won a trophy on an international level. This one is going to sting for him.