Argentina, playing without injured Lionel Messi, finished Copa America group play with a 2-0 victory over Peru on Saturday night. Lautaro Martínez scored twice.
Martínez’s first goal in the 47th minute came following a wonderfully delivered assist from Ángel Di María. Afterward, Martínez was welcomed by friends; then, she went to hug Messi, who was standing close to the Argentinean bench.
Through an intermediary, Martínez remarked, “I went to hug Leo for everything he means to us.”In the 86th minute Martínez extended Argentina’s lead, and today he boasts a tournament-leading four goals.\
“Every time I wear this shirt I appreciate it,” Martínez stated. “Many wish to wear this shirt. I try to let the coach know I am prepared to play when he needs me.”
Messi misseԀ а quаrterfinаl berth fоr the ԀefenԀing chаmpiоns аfter nursing а leg injury suffereԀ оn TuesԀаy’s 1-0 triumph оver Chile. Fоllоwing his suspensiоn fоr his teаm’s lаte secоnԀ-hаlf return tо the fielԀ in lаst twо Cоpа gаmes, аrgentinа cоаch Liоnel Scаlоni wаs аlsо аbsent.Saturday, the Albiceleste left for the second half a few short seconds before Peru.
Messi is still daily, according Argentina assistant Walter Samuel, filling in for Scaloni following the game.
Through an interpreter, Samuel added, “I talked to him, and he´s getting better,” but “it´s been just a couple of days and it´s too early to tell.” We wish to keep listening to the physicians and him.
Argentina controlled possession (74%) for the third consecutive match and had six efforts on goal while being held scoreless in the first half for the third straight match with nine changes to its starting lineup.
About 64,000 spectators watched the game at the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium, which will also host the final on July 14. Most supporters wore various Messi’s No. 10 jerseys and shouted for Argentina.
In another Group A game on Saturday in Orlando, Florida, Canada fought Chile to a scoreless draw in order to also qualify for the following round—the country’s first Copa America quarterfinal.
When Group B ends on Sunday, Argentina will learn its knockout stage opponent. Second-place Ecuador plays Mexico in Glendale, Arizona; group leader Venezuela plays Jamaica at Austin, Texas.
Thursday at Houston Argentina will play Group B runner-up.
After tapping the ball at the back post, Nicolás Tagliafico seemed to score for Argentina in the 55th minute; however, officials decided that goalie Pedro Gallese, who made four saves, was blocked and the goal was denied.
When Jesús Castillo awarded a penalty following a handball in the box, Argentina had still another opportunity. Leandro Paredes sent the ball straight into the right post, though, and the score stayed 1-0.
Seeking a record 16th Copa America title, Argentina won all three of their group play games. Goaltender Emiliano Martínez made six saves but let no goal in the round. Following a 1-0 championship game victory over Brazil, Argentina raised the trophy in 2021.
Peru has no goals in 11 of its past 14 games and held Saturday without a goal for the third game in the tournament. In its Copa America opening, Peru drew zero against Chile and subsequently fell 1-0 against Canada. The team lost to Brazil after making it to the semifinals in 2021.
Using an interpreter, Peru coach Jorge Fossati commented, “I believe that Peru´s performance today was the weakest of all three games.”
___