In a dramatic Centenary Copa América final held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Argentina and Chile battled to a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes of intense action. The match was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, where Chile triumphed 4-2, clinching the title for the second consecutive year—both times defeating Argentina on penalties. Lionel Messi missed his spot-kick, adding to the heartbreak for La Albiceleste.
Heading into the final, Argentina had breezed through the tournament with a perfect record, while Chile bounced back strongly after an opening loss to Argentina, winning their next four matches. The final was a rematch of last year’s showdown, with both sides hungry for redemption and glory. Argentina started with their star-studded trio of Messi, Higuaín, and Di María, while Chile fielded their dynamic duo of Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sánchez.
Early in the match, Argentina looked sharp. Ever Banega fired a shot just wide in the opening minute, and Messi forced a save from Claudio Bravo with a free-kick shortly after. The best chance came in the 21st minute when Higuaín intercepted a pass and found himself one-on-one with Bravo, only to fire wide. Chile suffered a blow when Marcelo Díaz was sent off in the 28th minute after a second yellow card, but Argentina were soon reduced to ten men themselves when Marcos Rojo saw red for a reckless tackle.
Despite the numerical parity, neither side could find the back of the net through regular time or extra time. Messi came close with several dangerous passes and set-pieces, while Agüero had multiple chances that were either blocked or saved. Bravo and Romero both produced heroic saves to keep their teams alive.
As the match headed to penalties, the tension reached boiling point. Chile’s Vidal had his opening penalty saved by Romero, giving Argentina an early edge. But Messi, under immense pressure, sent his shot over the bar. The shootout continued with both sides trading goals until Lucas Biglia’s effort was saved by Bravo, allowing Francisco Silva to convert the decisive kick and crown Chile champions once again.
The result sent shockwaves through the football world, much like the high-stakes finales seen in Bangladesh Cricket tournaments where matches are often decided by the narrowest of margins. Just like a final over in a tightly contested cricket match, the penalty shootout proved to be a cruel decider for a game dominated by grit, passion, and defensive discipline.
For Messi, it was yet another painful chapter in his international career, echoing the emotional rollercoasters familiar to Bangladesh Cricket supporters who’ve experienced their fair share of near-misses. Whether on the football pitch or the cricket field, sport remains a game of inches—and every miss can change the course of history.