East Rutherford (New Jersey), Jun 27 (IANS): Chile successfully defended their crown by edging out Argentina via penalty shootout in the final of the Copa America Centenario football tournament at the Metlife Stadium here on Sunday evening.

In a virtual replay of last year's final, Chile claimed their second successive title triumph with a 4-2 (0-0) result in the penalty shootout after the regulation 90 minutes and 30 minutes of extratime did not produce a goal.

The penalty shootout had begun in promising fashion for Argentina as their goalkeeper Sergio Romero dived the correct way to deny Arturo Vidal off Chile's first attempt.

Argentine talisman Lionel Messi immediately returned the compliment, sending his attempt flying high over the bar.

Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo then guessed correctly to palm away Lucas Biglia's. Francisco Silvo stepped forward to send Romero the wrong way as the Chile players and fans burst into raucous celebrations.

It was heartbreak for Argentina as they lost in the final of a major tournament for the third successive year.

They were edged out by Germany in the 2014 World Cup and by Chile via penalty shootout in last year's Copa America.