Argentina overcame the absence of Lionel Messi to maintain their flawless record at the Copa America with a 2-0 victory over Peru on Saturday in Miami.
Lautaro Martinez netted twice at the Hard Rock Stadium, ensuring Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals as Group A winners.
With Messi sidelined due to a sore right hamstring and coach Lionel Scaloni serving a one-game suspension, Argentina made nine changes to their starting lineup. Despite this, they dominated a lackluster Peru team that managed only one shot on goal.
Martinez’s first goal came shortly after halftime, following a brilliant through ball from Angel Di Maria that allowed the Inter Milan forward to chip the ball over Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Argentina missed a chance to extend their lead in the 72nd minute when Leandro Paredes hit the woodwork with a penalty kick.
However, Martinez sealed the win in the 86th minute, capitalizing on a long pass and finishing past Gallese. Despite Peru’s protests that Martinez had pushed defender Aldo Corzo, the goal stood.
“It was tough in the first half because they were defending deep, but the first goal opened up the game,” Martinez said. “There’s a lot more to come from us.”
Martinez has now scored in four consecutive games for Argentina, expressing his enjoyment of his current form.
Argentina will face the runner-up from Group B in the quarter-finals in Houston next Thursday, likely against Ecuador or Mexico.
In another Group A match on Saturday, Canada held Chile to a 0-0 draw in Orlando, securing their place in the last eight. Chile needed a win to progress but faced a setback when Gabriel Suazo was sent off after 27 minutes.
Canada captain Alphonso Davies expressed pride in his team’s performance, saying, “There’s a lot of good teams in this competition and a lot of good players. But we stuck to our plan and we played well. We showed a lot of fight.”
Canada will play the winners of Group B in the quarter-finals.
