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Argentina and Chile shared the spoils again in a drab 1-1 draw in the opening game of Group A in Copa America 2021.
Lionel Messi put the Sky Blues ahead with a wonderful free-kick before Eduardo Vargas equalized from a rebound off Arturo Vidal's missed penalty.
Having clashed in a World Cup qualifying game just over 10 days ago, the sides were expected to perform better than on that day, which yielded a dull stalemate of the same scoreline. But neither of the South American heavyweights really rose to the challenge.
Messi lifted a superb free-kick 33 minutes into the match which provided a moment to savor in an otherwise cagey opening stanza, before Chile's penalty incident sparked some life back into the game.
Nicolas Tagliafico brought down Vidal inside the box for which the referee awarded a penalty to Chile after consulting the pitchside monitor. The Inter Milan star stepped up to take it but saw his poor attempt parried across the crossbar, though Eduardo Vargas showed quick steps to pounce on the rebound and nodded the ball home.
Once again, the match official had to make a VAR check and La Roja were level.
With few clear-cut chances at either end, the game unsurprisingly ended with no change in the scoreline as Argentina and Chile settled for a point each.
Here are the major talking points from the match:
#1 Messi's free-kick caps his fine start to Copa 2021
Lionel Messi demonstrated his free-kick prowess with a fine strike which gave Argentina the lead in the match.
Executing his trademark style in deadball situations, the Barcelona ace whipped a wonderful shot from his magical left foot that saw the ball swing into the top bin, leaving Claudio Bravo clutching on air.
Although it wasn't enough to give his side a victory on the first matchday, it was a good start to his campaign on a personal level. He ended his long-wait for a non-penalty goal and opened his account in the Copa earlier than in any of the previous three editions.
Could this be the year when Messi finally lifts his first international trophy?
#2 Chile level proceedings in the most Chilean way possible
Chile, like in their World Cup qualifying game to Argentina 10 days ago, found themselves trailing early in the game. However, like on that night in Santiago del Estero, they managed to claw their way back into the match, and in a way that perfectly signified this Chilean side.
La Roja won a dubious penalty early on in the second-half and veteran midfielder Arturo Vidal stepped up to take it. His attempt was horrific, with Emiliano Martinez tipping it onto the crossbar, but Vargas quickly popped up with a rebound header to restore parity.
Clumsy and fortuitous, just like their overall performance tonight.
#3 Vidal's physical game might cost him
Arturo Vidal might not have had much luck with the penalty but should consider himself fortunate not to have been sent off in the game despite making a few ugly challenges.
He first produced a strong challenge on Nicolas Otamendi, hacking the Argentinian down in the first-half with a cynical foul that saw him booked. Though Vidal later made two more tackles after the break, neither of them resulted in a second booking.
Vidal may not get so lucky in other games and must keep his physical game in check.
#4 Chile missed Alexis Sanchez
It may seem farfetched but Alexis Sanchez remains an important player for Chile despite everything he's been through in his club career. Get this: In 13 games without him since their miserable World Cup qualifying campaign, La Roja have failed to win in eight, including tonight.
While he often pops up with a goal or two for them - Sanchez was on target against Argentina in their qualifier earlier this month - he's also their prime orchestrator, creating spaces for the likes of Vargas to run into and holding up the ball excellently in crucial areas.
But without the Inter Milan talisman to guide them, Chile looked toothless in the attack and would've surely lost the game if it wasn't for that questionable penalty. He isn't returning for the whole of their group stage, meaning the former champions will have to find a way to get results in the first round without him.
#5 Argentina must step up and compliment Messi, not rely on him
The consistency with which Argentina have let Lionel Messi down is ridiculous. And tonight was no different. While the Barcelona ace was fine as usual, the rest of the squad looked jaded and sapped of ideas. Not particularly the attributes of potential champions.
La Albiceleste's defense would've been torn apart by a rampant European side in this game and their midfield has long been devoid of ideas. Yet their worst player on the pitch tonight was Lautaro Martinez, who's coming off the back of a title-winning season with Inter Milan. He failed to produce even a shred of his attacking game which has made him a Serie A star.
Those who feel Messi is the disappointment in the side and instead should be doing more must take a long, hard look at the highlights of this game. But either way, Argentina won't be lifting the Copa America like this. The rest of the team should up their game and compliment Messi's brilliance too, not just rely on him all the time.
