Chile beats argentina in copa america final

The 2016 Copa America final is upon us and like last year neighbors Argentina and Chile will be facing off Sunday with all eyes on Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi as he attempts to bring home his first ever major international title. In 2015, Chile defeated Argentina 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out. Argentina, who have been the team of the tournament so far, have not won a major title since 1993 and lost both the World Cup final in 2014 along with last year's Copa America final. 

The pressure will be on Messi, who has enjoyed a spectacular tournament so far, becoming his nation's all-time leading goalscorer, to deliver silverware.

Out of 87 matches between them, Argentina have won 58, Chile 6, and there has been 23 draws between the two nations.

Argentina beat Chile 2-1 in the tournament's opening match on June 6. However, Argentina’s path to the trophy will not be a walk in the park.

The Chileans have improved since, beating Bolivia and Panama before hammering Mexico 7-0 in what was undoubtedly the performance of the tournament.

"Getting to three finals in a row is impressive," said Messi. "I hope we can win the Cup that we so desire."

"It's a group of winners, I can see that just talking with them,” said Argentine-born Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, who replaced Jorge Sampaoli in January.

“That's not because they win games because we don't win every time but in their heads they are convinced they are going to win. That mentality allows them to grow stronger and gives them the confidence to keep going."

Thousands of fans will be witnessing the epic Copa America final, extra-special because it is the 100th anniversary of the tournament, at MetLife Stadium, New York City.

Lionel Messi, the man whom Argentina was expecting to lead the country to victory, was ultimately responsible for their defeat.

The scrappy match was determined via penalty shots after a scoreless extra 30 minutes of play. Chile came out on top, scoring four penalty shots to Argentina's two.

The Argentine keeper managed to block Chile's first attempt, but that was followed by a errant kick by Messi.

Lucas Biglia's shot was blocked by the Chilean keeper Claudio Bravo, leaving the match in Francisco Silva's hands who put his shot past Sergio Romero.

Chile successfuly defended its crown, having won the Copa America tournament in 2015. Argentina has now gone 23 years without winning a major tournament.