Chile coach rejoices after beating Argentina and Lionel Messi in Copa America final
Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side edged out Argentina and Lionel Messi on penalties to defend the title they won after beating the same opponent in the same way last year
Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi took great pride in steering his country to victory in the Copa America final against a Argentina team he believes to be the best side in the world with the best player in history.
The 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory was the second in a row for Chile, who also triumphed over world number one Argentina and their lynchpin Lionel Messi after a 0-0 stalemate in last year’s final at home in Santiago.
“It’s always very hard to predict when a match is going to be decided by penalty kicks,” said Pizzi, who took over fifth-ranked Chile in January, told reporters.
Chile seal dramatic penalty shoot-out Copa America victory over Argentina after epic finale
“Both last year and this year we ended up winning, but I think it speaks to the parity between both line-ups, both teams and the mutual respect we have for each and surely it will go on that way.
“Now we’re going to enjoy ourselves.”
Pizzi said he was proud of the way his team rose to the occasion to overcome the star-studded Argentina side and Messi, who missed a penalty in the shoot-out and then announced he was retiring from international football.