A cruel irony was to be found in the Chile team that kept getting the better of them in the Copa America. Success with his country continued to elude him and Argentines became more and more convinced a maleficio loomed over the national team, a hex not even someone of Messi’s powers could lift. He was at his peak and had already won five of his seven Ballons d’Or. The three-peat of disappointment cut Messi to his core. This was the fourth final Messi had lost with Argentina the third in three years after the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Copa America. When Lucas Biglia’s attempt was saved by Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, he ran his hand through his hair in disbelief and sat in the dug-out, a maelstrom of emotions hidden behind a blank stare. After skying his spot kick high and wide, he pulled at his jersey and grimaced. In the shootout to decide the centenary edition of the Copa America, Messi missed Argentina’s first penalty. I tried many times (to be champion) but it didn’t happen.” “It’s the best thing for everyone, for me, for the people who want it. He didn’t plan on playing for Argentina again.

Shadow of a doubt lyrics