Lionel Messi misses penalty as Chile stun Argentina to win Copa America

East Rutherford (USA), June 27: Holders Chile stunned Argentina to win the Copa America Centenario in a penalty shoot-out here Sunday (June 26) as Lionel Messi's title curse struck again.

Messi announces international retirement

Messi blazed a penalty over the bar in the shoot-out before Lucas Biglia missed to leave Chile's Francisco Silva with the task of stroking home the winning spot-kick at the MetLife Stadium.

It was a carbon copy of last year's Copa America final, also won by Chile on penalties after a goalless draw. Argentina's players meanwhile were left disconsolate as they digested a third defeat in a major final following losses to Germany in the 2014 World Cup and Chile in last year's Copa.

The defeat also ensured Argentina's 23-year wait for a major title - and a first for five-time world player of the year Messi - continued. The final had gone to penalties after finishing deadlocked at 0-0 after 120 minutes.

.@LaRoja is the first team to win the #CopaAmerica in back to back years since @Argentina in 1946 and 1947. #Copa100 pic.twitter.com/vZYcPHHQfL

— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 27, 2016

Both sides were reduced to 10 men in the first half as Brazilian referee Heber Lopes struggled to get a grip on an ill-tempered contest played in front of a crowd of 82,026.

The first yellow card of the match came in the 16th minute when Marcelo Diaz brought down Messi with a cynical hack across the thighs as the Barcelona star advanced on the Chilean goal.

Congrats to our #Copa100 Champions, @LaRoja. Thanks for all the hard work! pic.twitter.com/osK7JhGHqa

— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 27, 2016

Argentina should have taken the lead on 21 minutes when a defensive blunder from Gary Medel, miscontrolling a back pass, allowed Gonzalo Higuain to go clean through on goal.

Chile let-off

Higuain had time and space but opted to lift his shot over the advancing Bravo and it rolled wide of the post in a huge let-off for Chile.

It was a nightmarish case of deja vu for Higuain, who missed potentially match winning chances in both the 2014 World Cup final and last year's Copa America.

The winner of the Golden Glove award is @C1audioBravo from @LaRoja! #Copa100 pic.twitter.com/5V7WISlFZx

— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 27, 2016

Seven minutes later Chile were left rocking when Messi burst forward only to be bodychecked blatantly by Diaz.

For a moment it appeared that referee Lopes had forgotten Diaz's earlier caution but eventually he brandished a red card and Chile were down to 10.

It ought to have been a warning to both sides but the spiteful tone continued for the remainder of the half, with Javier Mascherano and Arturo Vidal next into the book in the 37th minute.

.@Argentina is the winner of the Fair Play Award! #Copa100 pic.twitter.com/HqwUe9s4wN

— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 27, 2016

The winner of the @POWERADE #GoldenBoot award is @eduvargas_17 from @LaRoja #Copa100 pic.twitter.com/qrsPdj89rW

— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 27, 2016

The winner of the @Mastercard #GoldenBall is @Alexis_Sanchez from @LaRoja #Copa100 pic.twitter.com/dhnrjW6KHg

— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 27, 2016

The Champions. 🇨🇱🏆⚽🔥 #Copa100 pic.twitter.com/q9q65j8zEO

— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 27, 2016

#CopaAmerica Player of the Tournament: Congratulations to @Alexis_Sanchez! pic.twitter.com/iUbva80TG5

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 27, 2016

Congrats to @LaRoja's @C1audioBravo, @Budweiser Man of the Match- https://t.co/FhIetSGuNk pic.twitter.com/Ava6ES464W

— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 27, 2016

AFP/PTI