On Monday June 14, 2021, the Group A opening game of Copa América took place at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro, between Chile and Argentina. The rivalry between these two teams has begun to turn into a classic as both the 2015 and 2016 (Centenario) Cop América finals saw these two teams face off; both of which resulted in a 0-0 draws after 90 minutes and would have Chile go on to win them both in penalty shootouts. This time however, they happen to meat in the opening game for their group where they would again end the game in a stalemate.
The first goal came at the 33rd minute, from a classic Messi freekick (about 25 yards from the goal). He placed it well and into the top right side of the goal and just out of the reach of Chilean goalie, Claudio Bravo, who was only able to get a fingertip on the ball and push if further into the side netting.
The tying goal would come in the second half, at the 57th minute, when Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal was brought down inside the box. Goalie Emiliano Martinez would save the penalty, hitting it onto the crossbar, which would then be headed in by Center-forward Eduardo Vargas.
Chile would play the game without their star player, Alexis Sanchez, who had suffered a foot injury and is hoping to return to the team after the group stage. Argentina, however, would have all of their stars available and, late in the second half, sub on both Angel Di Maria and Sergio Agüero in an attempt to snatch a late victory, but to no avail.
Photo: Lionel Messi, Wikipedia, Creative Commons