Argentina secured third place at the Copa America with a 2-1 victory over Chile in an eventful consolation playoff that saw Lionel Messi sent off for just the second time in his career.
It was quite sloppy start to the match from both sides, with a number of stray passes high up the pitch seeing possession exchanging hands often.
Argentina managed to open the scoreboard after Messi quickly taken free kick with a long through ball to Agüero, who went past goalkeeper Gabriel Arias finding the net in the 12th minute. Messi’s free kick caught the Chilean defense by surprise.Dybala added to the lead with a shot from inside the area in the 22nd minute.Dybala does really well to take a pass from Lo Celso and spring himself behind the defence with a terrific first touch producing a wonderfull finish. Messi and Medel were shown red cards at 38th minute for their little scuffle out of bounds, though it was mostly Medel.
Chile started second half with intensity. With Messi out Argentina were happy to sit back.Chile converted a penalty 14 minutes after the restart to cut Argentina’s lead in half Arturo Vidal beating Franco Armani after a VAR review. Even after scoring penalty the defending champs could get no closer, as Argentina held out for the win in Sao Paulo.
With the win over Chile, LA ALBICELESTE wins the bronze medal.
Sportoholics 