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Chile wins 2nd COPA America title and Messi says he will retire from playing with Argentina

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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.

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A dejected Messi after he missed his penalty kick Photo: Mike Stobe/ Getty Images

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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Chile beat Argentina 4-1 on Penalties to win the country’s 1st COPA America title! Today is also the best day in Tennis!

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Last Saturday, Chile won Copa on Penalties! Argentina missed 2 penalty kicks and Alexis Sanchez closed it out with a cheeky penalty kick to the centre of the goal as the Argentina keeper flew to the right!

Messi was totally shut down by Chile’s defenders and nobody else from Argentina stepped up to the plate with DiMaria out in the 1st half with an injury. Argentina can give thanks for Mascherano, aka the defensive genius. So the score was 0-0 into overtime. Then Penalties. Chile played their heart out. Congrats to them!

Today is also considered the BEST DAY IN TENNIS with ALL ROUND 16 matches being played in 1 day at Wimbledon. Matches to see?! Serena Williams continues her mission to complete her Serena Slam, i.e. to become the first player since Steffi Graf in 1988 to accomplish the Calendar Grand Slam. However, she will have to beat her sister, Venus Williams today who has been playing very well to continue her mission. Serena has not been at the top of her game so far this Wimbledon and has been using pure emotion to carry her through, but that will not work against her sister. Serena needs to raise the level of her game if she wants this win. They have not met in a while, as it will be their 1st Grand Slam vs each other in 6 years! It will be interesting to see how it plays out, but Suga doubts it will be easy for Serena. Even past rival, Martin Hingis has finally given the  Williams sisters props for still being out there, playing competitively at their age, while she can only be found in the doubles draw. Look out though, Hingis still has a chance this week to derail one of the Williams sisters. She is mentoring Swiss teenager, Belinda Bencic who plays Azarenka in the round of 16. If she gets past Azarenka, she will meet one of the Williams sisters.  Who has more experience mentally playing the Williams sisters but Hingis? All of 34 matches vs both, winning 17.

Roger Federer is also up against Bautista Agut. He has not lost a set yet in this tournament, as he aims to win his 8th Gentleman’s title. Can RFed win one more Grand Slam?

Young, Australian, Kyrgios will be up against Gasquet. Kyrgios has been creating a lot of excitement on the court.

May the best players win!