Messi scores, but Chile hold Argentina 1-1 in Copa America

Rio de Janeiro, Jun 14 (EFE).- Argentina and Chile share the lead in Group A of the Copa America after battling to a 1-1 draw here Monday.

Lionel Messi won a free kick just outside the area in the 33rd minute and beat Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo – his former FC Barcelona teammate – to put the Argentines up 1-0.

The captain also became Argentina’s all-time scoring leader with 39 goals, one more than Gabriel Batistuta.

Seven minutes into the second half, Argentine keeper Emiliano Martinez denied Eduardo Vargas from close range, but defender Nicolas Tagliafico fouled Arturo Vidal while trying to clear.

After initially declining to award a penalty, referee Wilmar Roldan decided to take another look.

The VAR review complete, Roldan pointed to the spot and Vidal took the kick.

While Martinez saved the penalty, he could not control the rebound and Vargas headed-in to bring Chile level. It was the Atletico Mineiro man’s 13 goal for his country in Copa America play.

Sergio Agüero came on for Argentina in the final 10 minutes and gave Chile some anxious moments, but they managed to nail down the point. EFE sam/dr