Copa America 2016
Both finals pitted the likes of Claudio Bravo. Manchester City's backup goalkeeper, Bayern Munich's midfield general Arturo Vidal & Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez facing Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero & above all Lionel Messi.
Chile's plan was to nullify the threat posed by Barcelona hero Messi. Often times he was faced by not two or three but even four Chilean players who did all that is possible to restrict Messi's movement.
Just as in 2015, the Copa America 2016 final went to penalties after a 0-0 draw and Chile won again, Messi was gutted, and initially announced his retirement from international football only to return again to representing Argentina to have one more shot at a title with Argentina.
Messi was the hero in the World Cup qualifiers, scoring a hat-trick in Ecuador to carry Argentina to the World Cup. Mind you, Messi and Argentina were also on the losing end in the World Cup 2014 final, dropping a 1-0 decision to Germany in extra-time.
As difficult as this has been for Messi, he must be very motivated to make one final push during Russia 2018. Argentina's problem will be the lack of balance with the squad rich in the attacking department- likes of Angel di Maria and Paulo Dybala are also on the team- but the midfield remains susceptible while Argentina's defenders are not on par with the defensive options available for the best squads expected in Russia.
In fact, Argentina's goalkeepers leave a lot to be desired as well. Was Copa America 2016 Messi's last chance for international glory with his country? Don't forget to check out www.fantasy-worldcup.com and join for FREE to challenge some of the best Fantasy Football managers. You can also invite your friends and create various leagues.
