Chile won the Copa America for the first time in its history after a dramatic penalty shootout against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final in Santiago Saturday.
Messi was the only Argentine to convert his kick, but Chile was successful with all its four, the clinching effort from Alexis Sanchez sparking wild scenes of celebration in the Estadio Nacional.
A tight match had ended goalless after extra time, paving the way for the spot kicks where the host excelled.
Argentina was seeking its first major trophy in 22 years but after Messi scored with his penalty, a Gonzalo Higuain effort was blazed over the bar and Ever Banega was denied by Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
It left the way clear for Arsenal’s Alexis to seal the victory with an audacious effort and extend Messi and Argentina’s title drought after losing the World Cup final last year to Germany.
Barcelona star Messi was unable to exert the influence he had in the semifinal when he played a part in five of Argentina’s six goals against Paraguay.
Sanchez had the best chances for Chile in normal and extra time, while Higuain came close for Argentina in the final minute of regulation play.
Chile had previously lost four previous Copa America finals, the last 28 years ago, and went out of the 2014 World Cup at the last 16 stage to Brazil on penalties, but made no mistake this time.