Chile defeated Argentina on penalties last night  to end their wait for a Copa America crown and condemn Lionel Messi and Argentina to a second straight defeat in a major international final after their World Cup loss to Germany last year.

 It was Arsenal’s  Alexis Sanchez who struck the winning spot-kick for Chile, as the hosts clinched a 4-1 shoot-out victory when the game ended goalless after extra time.

Sanchez chipped the decisive penalty down the middle past Sergio Romero to spark wild celebrations in front of a 45,000 capacity crowd at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago.

Chile’s win was their first ever victory over Argentina in the Copa America.