ARGENTINA have never won a major tournament with Lionel Messi. The world’s best player has been constantly reminded of that one blemish in his otherwise stunning career.And those whispers will undoubtedly become roars after Argentina’s 0-0 (4-2 penalties) loss to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final on Sunday.
Chile had bothered Messi all match – not giving him much space to operate – but in penalties, it was Messi’s time to help lead Argentina over the international hump.
That didn’t happen.
After Arturo Vidal was denied on his PK for Chile, Messi took the first shot for Argentina. The best player in the world sent his shot to the stands.
It was a shocking miss. There’s fatigue of a 120-minute match, but the pressure of the moment always plays a role.
After Chile’s win, Messi sat alone on the bench. He was crushed.
It was the first penalty shootout miss in Messi’s Argentina career, and it came at the worst time. For the second straight year, Chile are the Copa America champions over Messi’s Argentina. See other story on page 23)
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