Copa America: Lionel Messi sits as Argentina beats Chile

Angel Di Maria scored in the 51st minute off a pass from Ever Banega, then later assisted on Banega's goal, and top-ranked Argentina looked just fine without injured captain Lionel Messi in beating Chile 2-1 in its Copa America opener Monday night.

Jose Pedro Fuenzalida scored in the third minute of stoppage time as Chile avoided a shutout.

There were five yellow cards issued in a testy rematch of last year's final won by La Roja on penalty kicks. Cards were given to Di Maria and Gary Medel in the 65th minute after they tussled near the left sideline of Argentina's offensive half.

Di Maria assisted on Banega's deflected goal in the 59th minute as Messi cheered from the bench.

Chile's Eugenio Mena was taken off on a stretcher in the 53rd minute after pulling up and appearing to grab his right hamstring, with no contact made.

Lionel Messi was on the bench for the win due to an injury.

His absence was hardly a surprise given the midfielder's recent back injury. He practised on the side during Sunday's training session and not with the full team.

Nicolas Gaitan started in his place.

Panama 2, Bolivia 1

Blas Perez scored two goals, including the winner in the 87th minute, as Panama beat Bolivia 2-1 on a rainy Monday night in a Group D Copa America opener in Orlando, Fla.

Abdiel Arroyo beat a defender at the edge of the 18-yard box, pulling out goalkeeper Carlos Lampe. Arroyo found a trailing Perez in front of an empty net.

Panama became the first non-CONMEBOL team to win its Copa America debut.

Perez opened the scoring in the 11th minute. After forcing a turnover deep in Bolivia territory, Alberto Quintero ran down a through ball near the goal line, fed a cross in front of the net, and Perez made a sliding finish.

Juan Carlos Arce tied it 1-1 in the 54th. A long free kick was deflected inside the 6-yard box and an open Carlos Arce powered it into the net.