Lo Celso’s joy is Sanchez’ heartbreak as Tottenham teammates collide

International play sometimes brings teammates together against one another and Tuesday evening that was the case with Tottenham’s Sanchez and Lo Celso. 

As Harry Kane and Pierre Højbjerg are about to find out, teammates can cause each other real heartache when it comes to international play. On Tuesday night in South America, Giovani Lo Celso and Davinson Sanchez both played their part in Argentina’s shoot-out win over Columbia.

Argentina over Colombia in Copa America

Giovani Lo Celso has been in and out of the Argentina line-up throughout the Copa America competition. On Tuesday he started and went almost an hour for La Albiceleste on the left side of a three-man midfield.

Tottenham teammates clash

While Lo Celso did not end up playing a part in the final outcome, unfortunately for Davinson Sanchez he did. Sanchez was one of three Colombians to have their penalty kick saved by Emiliano Martinez in a very animated shootout.

Sanchez had converted only days before in a shoot-out against Uruguay, however, his shot was not far enough to the corner to beat Martinez who made quite a scene both before and after each kick but backed up his antics with some spectacular saves.

A bitter end to a renaissance for Sanchez

For Sanchez, it really must be a tough pill to swallow. Over the last year, things have gone up and down for Sanchez at both the club and national team level at times losing his spot in both teams. After Colombia had suffered its worst-ever defeat in the months leading up to this summer’s tournament and Sanchez never being selected by interim skipper Ryan Mason, overall, the defender’s performances were something he can build upon.

With Yerry Mina also in the team, Sanchez played considerable minutes on the left side in the middle of a back four. Historically, Sanchez has struggled on the left side but he seemed to acclimate himself well in this tournament.

Lo Celso has a shot at something special

While Sanchez gets to reflect, rest up, and return to London; Giovani and Argentina have different plans. On Saturday Lo Celso, Leo Messi, and all of La Albiceleste will face Brazil in the final of Copa America. It will be Lo Celso’s first Copa America final but Messi’s third, so he will be looking to bring home the trophy and break his international duck ahead of next year’s World Cup.

It is not every day or even every year a player gets to play for a title, it is something Lo Celso needs to savor and go for with everything he has got. Hopefully, for Tottenham, Lo Celso can play a part and garner the kind of experience that will bring trophies to N17.