Argentina 1-1 Chile
Argentina started off their Copa America 2021 campaign with great intent as they entered the match following an amazing run of form. They were hoping to start with a win over fellow South American giants Chile.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi handed his side the lead at the half-hour mark in the game. The Barcelona star scored a stunning free-kick to hand his team the breakthrough in the match.
He was a constant menace for the Chilean defence. Messi consistently managed to find pockets of space and threatened his opponents’ goal by creating chances. He did so for not just himself but also his teammates on Monday.
Argentina looked in control heading into the halftime break, with a 1-0 lead. The Argentines were cruising through the match and it seemed like they would walk away with three points.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez stood up and pulled off an outstanding save to stop Arturo Vidal’s penalty kick. However, it was in vain as Chile’s Eduardo Vargas found the back of the net to beat the Argentina keeper and helped Chile salvage a 1-1 draw.
Argentina failed to capitalise on Messi’s brilliance and a win would have been a great start to their Copa America campaign but they will not be worried as they played some good football. They probably deserved the three points that they will feel hard done by for not managing to get.
Messi is yet to win a major international trophy with his country and Argentinians will be hoping this year’s Copa America will be theirs.
