Lionel Messi’s goal-scoring exploits at the Copa America Centenario have rewritten his country’s record books and left Argentina on the brink of their first major title for 23 years.
But if Argentina are to avoid a fourth straight defeat in a major final when they take the field in New Jersey on Sunday, the chances are they will have to do something they have never done before in the Messi era: score.
In three finals dating back to the climax of the 2007 Copa America, when Messi lined up in an Argentina side that was beaten 3-0 by Brazil in Venezuela, the Albiceleste have failed to find the back of the net.
Another shutout followed in the 2014 World Cup final, which ended in a 1-0 loss to Germany, before an agonising defeat on penalties to Chile in last year’s Copa America following a 0-0 draw.
