Argentina and Chile played out a 1-1 draw on Monday in their Copa America opener, matching the scoreline from their meeting in World Cup qualifying just over a week ago. Lionel Messi got the favorites on the board with a stunning free kick in the first half, but a penalty kick in the second half saw the Chileans equalize to split the points in Group B play.
Lionel Scaloni's team was the more threatening one on the night, but once again a mediocre attack was let down by an out of sync defense that failed to react when needed. Argentina recorded 18 shots to Chile's five, but only five of the shots went on frame to test Claudio Bravo.
Messi's opening goal 33 minutes in may end up being one of the best of the competition, finishing past his former Barcelona teammate.
That lead carried into the second half but only stood for 12 minutes before a penalty was called on Nicolas Tagliafico for taking down Arturo Vidal. The foul came on a poor challenge, but only after Nicolas Otamendi botched a ball that fell to Eduardo Vargas for an initial shot. Vidal chased the rebound and was taken down by the Ajax defender.
On the penalty, Emiliano Martinez actually denied Vidal, but Vargas' hustle saw him head home at the right post:
Argentina had a few good chances late, including two from Stuttgart's Nicolas Gonzalez. But the young talent shocking tried to pass on the first one, and then he missed a golden header after being served a perfect ball from Messi in the box.
The result is a poor one for Argentina and marks their third consecutive draw. Despite being undefeated in their last 14 games, Argentina have won just four of their last five.
The teams return to action on Friday as Chile play Bolivia, and Argentina face Uruguay.
It's over! Argentina 1, Chile 1. The Argentines with the best chances late, but a wasteful Nico Gonzalez won't sleep well tonight. A good point for Chile in the end to kick off the cup.
Lovely play from Argentina as Messi finds Gonzalez in the box, but he decides to pass instead of shoot!
Then Gonzalez gets another gift from Messi and heads over!
Argentina continue to knock on the door, getting comfortable down the left as Messi fires a shot that Bravo saves. Feels like there may just be another goal in this game.
Di Maria and Palacios on for Argentina. Lo Celso and Paredes off.
Di Maria is coming on for Argentina!
Eduardo Vargas' 39th goal with the Chilean national team. All to play for.
Goal stands. It's 1-1.
Vidal's PK is saved....but Vargas heads home the rebound! Argentina are claiming for a handball...
Vidal to take....
Penalty for Chile.
The ref is going to the monitor.
Penalty for Chile? Vargas is denied by Martinez, and a review is underway as Tagliofico takes down Vidal on the rebound...
Second half is underway!!!
At the break, it's Argentina 1, Chile 0.
Messi's magical free kick is the difference so far. Argentina were the better side but probably should be up 2-0 now. Still so much left to play, but Chile need some change after just one shot, none on frame.
From a free kick, the superstar makes it 1-0 33 minutes in from a brilliant set piece. A lovely curler over the wall, and Claudio Bravo gets a hand on it, but it's not enough!
GOAL ARGENTINA!!!! MESSI!!!!!!!!!!!
12' A good chance there for Argentina! Lo Celso plays a curling ball with pace across the face of goal, but Lautaro Martinez can't put it on frame. What a waste...
9' Little better on the ball from Argentina now. Lionel Messi looking like a threat, but the passing around him isn't very sharp. Still early on, but this pitch is causing a lot of trouble for both.
3' Physical play early on for both sides as the pace is slowed down big time. Teams still feeling each other out.
Underway!!!!
As for Chile, no Alexis Sanchez. He's out for the entire group stage with a foot injury, which is a big blow to a team looking to resurface on the international stage.
No Cristian Romero in the XI for Argentina. Picked up an injury last time out against Colombia. Was Serie A defender of they year for Atalanta and a sure-fire starter in every match for this team. Instead, Lisandro Martinez of Ajax enters the XI alongside Nicolas Otamendi.
