Congrats to Chile on their 2nd COPA America title and to Alexis Sanchez for winning the Golden Ball!
This COPA America final was dramatic from start to finish with Chile’s Diaz getting a red card early (28′), which he didn’t deserve, then the referee seemed to even things up about 10 minutes later, giving Argentina’s Rojo a red card, who didn’t deserve a red card either in my opinion.
Both teams battled back and forth with 10 men, hardly any shots on goal, neither really controlling possession and then Argentina eventually took control of the game for a short period of time. Both teams were scoreless at 90 minutes, it went into Extra time and the scoreline remained nil all.
The Final then went to Penalties. We all know that Chile’s Goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo (who won the Golden Glove) would save at least one, so more pressure was on Argentina.
Then the heartache came as Captain Lionel Messi stepped up first as usual to lead Argentina with all the pressure on his shoulders to try to finally win an International title. Then he did a Baggio and missed! Bravo didn’t even dive that way. He was visually very disappointed in himself.
Watch “Messi Miss Penalty Kick – Argentina vs Chile 2016” on YouTube here:
Chile also missed, then the next 2 for each side scored. Bravo then made a save, Chile scored and just like that it was 4-2 to Chile, it was all over and Messi was in tears.
Messi told reporters after the match that he wants more than anyone to win a title with the National team. He said he has tried everything possible and that’s four finals lost. Although in the heat of the moment and very frustrated, he said he may never play with Argentina for an International competition again and stated ‘this is not for me’.
At least Messi has an Under 20 World Cup from 2005 under his belt but it clearly doesn’t do his greatness justice. With his goals scored in this COPA America, he is now the all time leading scorer for Argentina with 55.
Let’s see if the GOAT keeps his word!
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