Searching for a reason behind Argentina's substandard performance in letting slip the Copa America title, captain Lionel Messi is an easy and visible target. But those critics who have focused on the Barcelona man's woes are not seeing the real problems afflicting a national team whose displays still do not match the talent at its disposal.
It had not been at all clear during the first six magical months of 2015. But in the chilly, hostile atmosphere of Santiago's Estadio Nacional, we received confirmation: Lionel Messi is human just like everyone else.
Tasked once more with dragging Argentina to victory, the captain could not produce the goods.