Lionel Messi struck a dejected figure on the touchline after he missed a penalty and Chile won a tense penalty shootout 4-2 to secure Copa America silverware.
On 21 minutes, Gonzalo Higuain missed a guilt-edged chance when he was clean through one-on-one with Claudio Bravo.
Marcelo Diaz was sent off in the 28th minute for a second bookable offence after a foul on Messi.
Tempers flared throughout the first half and five minutes before the interval Messi was given a yellow card for a simulation when tried to win a penalty.
As the half drew to a close Argentina’s numerical advantage was cancelled out when Marcos Rojo was given his marching orders for a strong challenge.
READ MORE: What We Learned – Argentina 0 Chile 0 (2-4)
The second half was a dire affair with neither side willing to chase the game, as they both settled for extra time.
Bravo miraculously tipped a Sergio Aguero effort onto the bar, Messi put a free-kick late in extra time into the wall and over, as the teams had to settle for a penalty shootout.
Arturo Vidal struck a weak penalty which Sergio Romero saved well down to his left, only for Messi to blast his effort high and over the top of the crossbar.
Both teams converted the next flurry of penalties before Lucas Biglia’s spot kick was saved brilliantly by Romero and Francisco Silva stepped up to clinch their second consecutive Copa America.
Here are some of the best reactions from Twitter:
This should not change Messi’s status as greatest in the world – but it will because him in Arg shirt is cursed #CopaAmerica
— Jorge Andres Mondaca (@JorgeAMondaca) June 27, 2016
Takes a special team to lose a final 3 years in a row #CopaAmerica #ARG
— Alex Kocovski (@alekoisawesome) June 27, 2016
Messi created six chances tonight. The other 27 players combined to create nine. #CopaAmerica
— Matthew Doyle (@MLSAnalyst) June 27, 2016
It’s not a major tournament if it doesn’t end with a parade of weeping bearded Argentines.#CopaAmerica
— ⚽️ is a Country (@FutbolsaCountry) June 27, 2016
Will Messi ever win a trophy with Argentina? #CopaAmerica pic.twitter.com/aVTF4sc1t3
— Onefootball (@Onefootball) June 27, 2016
You can’t officially give Chile the trophy until Messi’s penalty comes out of orbit and we see where it lands. #ARGvCHI #CopaAmerica
— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) June 27, 2016
Extraordinary.@TeamMessi the greatest player of our age.
The loneliest man in the world right now.#CopaAmerica— Francis Leach (@SaintFrankly) June 27, 2016
Just watched the entire #CopaAmerica Finals match. Most exciting 0-0 sporting event I’ve ever seen. Didn’t care who won, still loved it.
— David Arnold (@DavidArnoldCFB) June 27, 2016
The irony of world sport. Tonight Chile will be getting Messi, leaving Messi to feel a little Chile. #CopaAmerica
— Sam Mac & Jules (@thebleague) June 27, 2016
What’s worse, your country losing on penalty kicks? Or having to listen to Pitbull after it’s over? #CopaAmerica
— Dennis (@DennisPatJohn) June 27, 2016
“It’s not a major international soccer tournament without Pitbull.” There’s no way that was said with a straight face #CopaAmerica
— Kelsey Price (@KPkelsey) June 27, 2016
Chile were better and worthy of back to back champs. Best team in the world right now. #ARGvCHI
— Maximiliano Bretos (@mbretosESPN) June 27, 2016
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