Argentina's Copa America hopes went flying out of the MetLife Stadium at roughly the same height and velocity as Lionel Messi's skied penalty. The Albiceleste have once more choked in a major final, and the Barcelona legend must wonder if he will ever take the title he craves so badly in international colours.
As Francisco Silva tucked home the winning kick to seal the centenary Copa for Chile after a tense, nasty 0-0 draw, the cameras inevitably panned on Messi. The No. 10, the source of so much of Argentina's joyful attacking play this tournament, was visibly distraught.