Chile handed Barcelona's Lionel Messi another runner-up finish in an international campaign as La Roja defeated Argentina on penalties (4)0-(1)0, thereby capturing their first Copa America and becoming the first host nation to do so since Columbia in 2001.
Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez secured the win for Chile after a successful conversion of his penalty which gave his nation a 4-1 advantage and ended the shootout.
Both national squads had numerous attempts to score in the first half but were unable to capitalize on the opportunities.
The pace of the match slowed in the second half as both Argentina and Chile had fewer attacks, with still no goal being scored until the end of regulation.
During the extra time, no team was able to score again, as the match was decided on penalties. Chile scored on their first chance as midfielder Matías Fernández netted his penalty with a right-footed shot. Messi tied it with his penalty, although he was the only player for Argentina to score during the shootout.
Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal was able to convert his penalty and handed Chile a 2-1 advantage. Argentina again had the chance to level the match but forward Gonzalo Higuaín's attempt went way too high off the goal.
Midfielder Charles Aránguiz gave the host nation a 3-1 lead after another successful penalty. Chile defender Claudio Bravo had a wonderful save in Argentina's next penalty as he stopped Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega's shot. After Bravo's splendid defensive stop, Sanchez scored the fourth penalty to secure the victory for Chile.
Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli expressed his thoughts on the huge international victory at the press conference following the match. According to Mundo Deportivo, Sampaoli said: "We've managed to win the Copa in Chile, and now everybody is euphoric. That's all I can think about. This is a priceless and unforgettable feeling, and it will last for a long time."
"I must thank all the players who allowed me to be a part of this achievement," Sampaoli added.
