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Chile defeats Argentina in shootout to earn Copa America title

By The Sports Xchange
Argentina midfielder Lionel Messi (10) reacts as he waits for Chile midfielder Francisco Silva to kick what proved to be the deciding point as Chile beat Argentina in penalty kicks 4-2 at the Copa America Centenario USA 2016 Finals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on June 26, 2016. Photo by Ray Stubblebine/UPI
1 of 7 | Argentina midfielder Lionel Messi (10) reacts as he waits for Chile midfielder Francisco Silva to kick what proved to be the deciding point as Chile beat Argentina in penalty kicks 4-2 at the Copa America Centenario USA 2016 Finals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on June 26, 2016. Photo by Ray Stubblebine/UPI | License Photo

Argentina star Lionel Messi skied his spot kick over the crossbar in a penalty shootout, helping Chile capture the Copa America championship Sunday night at East Rutherford, N.J.

The teams played 120 scoreless minutes -- most of that time in a 10-on-10 struggle -- before Chile won the shootout 4-2.

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On the first attempt in the shootout, Argentina goalie Sergio Romero saved Arturo Vidal's drive with a dive to his right. Messi, with a chance to put his team in front, then missed the target.

Chile's Nicolas Castillo, Charles Aranguiz and Jean Beausejour all converted their attempts as Argentina's Javier Mascherano and Sergio Aguero responded. Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo then dived to his right and saved the attempt by Lucas Biglia.

Francisco Silva, a 30-year-old midfielder, sealed Chile's championship when he blasted his attempt past Romero.

Last year, the same two teams met in the Copa America final, and they also went to penalty kicks after a scoreless draw. Chile won that shootout 4-1.

Argentina failed in its bid to earn a record-tying 15th Copa America title, which would have matched Uruguay's total. The Albicelestes still haven't captured the crown since 1993.

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Messi, 29, is the only five-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, given annually to the world player of the year. Despite all his success with his club team, Barcelona, he has yet to win a senior championship with his country.

Chile, which won the Copa for the first time ever last year while serving as host, retained its title as the top team in South America.

Chile was reduced to 10 men when midfielder Marcelo Diaz was sent off after receiving his second yellow card of the night in the 28th minute. He was sent off after blocking a Lionel Messi drive toward Chile's third of the field, turning his back as the Argentina forward ran into him.

The man advantage didn't last until halftime, however. Argentina defender Marcos Rojo was shown a straight red card for a tackle from behind on Vidal. The Chile midfielder's leg got stuck behind him on the play.

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