Argentina-Chile Copa America score: Lionel Messi free-kick magic canceled out by Eduardo Vargas goal in draw

Argentina and Chile played out a 1-1 draw on Monday in their Copa America opener, matching the scoreline from their meeting in World Cup qualifying just over a week ago. Lionel Messi got the favorites on the board with a stunning free kick in the first half, but a penalty kick in the second half saw the Chileans equalize to split the points in Group B play.

Lionel Scaloni’s team was the more threatening one on the night, but once again a mediocre attack was let down by an out of sync defense that failed to react when needed. Argentina recorded 18 shots to Chile’s five, but only five of the shots went on frame to test Claudio Bravo. 

Messi’s opening goal 33 minutes in may end up being one of the best of the competition, finishing past his former Barcelona teammate.

That lead carried into the second half but only stood for 12 minutes before a penalty was called on Nicolas Tagliafico for taking down Arturo Vidal. The foul came on a poor challenge, but only after Nicolas Otamendi botched a ball that fell to Eduardo Vargas for an initial shot. Vidal chased the rebound and was taken down by the Ajax defender.

On the penalty, Emiliano Martinez actually denied Vidal, but Vargas’ hustle saw him head home at the right post:

Argentina had a few good chances late, including two from Stuttgart’s Nicolas Gonzalez. But the young talent shocking tried to pass on the first one, and then he missed a golden header after being served a perfect ball from Messi in the box.

The result is a poor one for Argentina and marks their third consecutive draw. Despite being undefeated in their last 14 games, Argentina have won just four of their last five.

The teams return to action on Friday as Chile play Bolivia, and Argentina face Uruguay.

Argentina 1, Chile 1 (FT)