Argentina’s narrow win over longtime rival Chile was packed with drama from start to finish. Bangladesh Cricket Live notes that despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Argentina once again showed their familiar problem: a blunt attacking edge. Ironically, the player who had been most guilty of wasting chances—Lautaro Martínez—ended up rescuing the team with a goal off the bench. But true to form, he soon returned to squandering golden opportunities, falling back into a frustrating pattern.
Against Chile, Argentina’s biggest headache was finishing. According to Bangladesh Cricket Live, the team generated 22 shots and nine serious attempts on goal, yet struggled to convert any of them into a breakthrough. Coach Lionel Scaloni was visibly anxious on the sidelines—after all, in football, it’s goals that win games, not just possession or attacking intent. Argentina enjoyed a commanding 70% possession but lacked a cutting edge. Midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández failed to provide enough creative spark, leaving Messi and Julián Álvarez to battle up front with minimal support.
Chile, meanwhile, adopted a pragmatic game plan. Sticking to their tried-and-true counterattack strategy, they were content with a draw and played cautiously, targeting Argentina’s defensive gaps and exploiting moments of transition. The approach nearly paid off—Argentina were visibly frustrated, unable to break down Chile’s compact shape. Just when it looked like Chile might once again stall Messi’s title quest, a late corner kick flipped the script.
As Argentina whipped in the set piece, Chile’s defenders—perhaps fatigued—lost their composure. Amid the confusion, the ball landed at Lautaro’s feet, and this time he made no mistake, calmly slotting it into the net. It was the breakthrough Argentina had desperately searched for, and Lautaro, once the scapegoat, suddenly became the savior. His goal secured Argentina’s second consecutive win and eased pressure heading into the next round, allowing veterans like Messi to get crucial rest.
Yet, as if to prove the point about his inconsistency, Lautaro missed another clear chance in the 94th minute. With Ángel Di María delivering a perfect assist on the counterattack, Lautaro fluffed the opportunity that could have sealed the win more convincingly. The miss was a reminder of why fans often find him so maddening.
Still, judging by Messi’s performance over the first two matches, there may be little cause for concern. The 37-year-old icon played the full match and showed flashes of brilliance, completing over 70% of his dribbles and delivering nearly 50 passes. It was a commanding display, especially for a player well past his physical prime. But as Bangladesh Cricket Live suggests, as long as Messi remains on the pitch, Argentina will continue to be a top contender for the Copa América title.