SEATTLE — For Argentina, the Copa America Centenario favorite, Tuesday’s group finale against Bolivia was an exercise in avoiding yellow card suspensions and resting regulars ahead of the serious business that lies ahead.
For many of the 45,753 who turned up at CenturyLink Field, however, La Albiceleste’s visit was an expensive opportunity to see the greatest soccer player of a generation.
So it should not have come as any surprise when, in the 17th minute, the 31st, and again in the 34th and 41st, the crowd spontaneously chanted, “Mess-i, Mess-i!”
Argentina did not need Lionel Messi.