Chile beats Argentina 4-1 on penalties to win Copa America

Argentina captain Messi, aiming to inspire the South American giants to a first global title in 22 years, could only look on distraught as Chile celebrated.

“But we have many players with experience of winning titles, so the pressure is not a problem”. Chile on home ground and Argentina for the second consecutive tournament would not like to go home as losers. Arturo Vidal was detained for drunk driving and crashing his red Ferrari, but went on playing for his side.

=> Argentina have only ever lost one competitive worldwide to Chile, 1-0 in a 2010 World Cup qualifier in Santiago in October 2008. Five of those goals were set up with the help of Messi. Messi had his quietest game of the tournament – his 63 touches in normal time were his fewest of this Copa América. Claudio Bravo often thought to be the best goalkeeper in the tournament, made two huge saves for Chile.

“The truth is that it is not easy, seeing the quality that Leo has and what he has done throughout his career, it’s been fantastic”.

Sanchez meanwhile had an outstanding first season in English football and although his goal and assist output are dwarfed by Messi’s numbers, his contribution to Arsenal was arguably just as crucial as Messi’s to Barca.

But Chile would be making a mistake not to pay particular attention to Messi.

Argentina takes place tonight in the final of the 2015 Copa America.

“We are sister countries and we have to respect each other“.

Argentina had one final chance to snatch victory in normal time when Lavezzi’s cross had a little too much on it and Higuain could only fire into the side-netting at full stretch beyond the back post two minutes into time added on.

The game was a big pile of sh*te.

Sampaoli has an all-Argentine staff helping him with the Chilean players.

“I think today’s match, Argentina should win”, Martino said.

Chile almost took the lead at the end of the first period in extra time. He wants to be happy and to be given the space that his level of performance deserves.

The Manchester United winger was leading a first-half counterattack with a pacy, direct run from deep in his own area but pulled up after being crowded out of possession by three retreating Chile defenders.

For Argentina, Sergio Aguero will be the clear player to watch for.

Yet, up until the semi-final that is exactly what they’ve done.