Martinez’s Late Winner
Substitute Lautaro Martinez grabbed an 88th-minute winner as Argentina finally overcame Chile 1-0, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa America on Tuesday. Lionel Messi hit the post in the first half, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept Argentina on level terms before Lautaro’s late strike settled the pulsating clash in front of 82,000 fans at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Early Pressure and Missed Chances
The home of the NFL’s New York Jets and New York Giants, and the venue for the 2026 World Cup final, was transformed into a home venue for Argentina. Messi and company dictated proceedings in the early stages. Julian Alvarez forced Chile’s 41-year-old goalkeeper Claudio Bravo into a save in the 22nd minute. Despite numerous openings, a combination of poor finishing and Bravo’s inspired performance kept the score deadlocked.
Messi Denied and Chile’s Stubborn Defense
Chile did a good job of neutralizing Messi, often closing him down with three players. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was inches away from an opener in the 36th minute with a shot from 25 yards that clipped the outside of the post. Chile, who had twice left Argentina distraught with victories in the Copa America finals of 2015 and 2016, proved stubborn again but couldn’t hold off Argentina’s persistent attack.
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Decisive Moments and Lautaro’s Impact
As Argentina piled on the pressure, Bravo parried a blast from Nahuel Molina and pushed a fierce Nicolas Gonzalez drive against the bar. Chile threatened on the counter, but Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez made crucial saves. The decisive moment came when Chile failed to clear an in-swinging corner from Messi, allowing Lautaro Martinez to pounce and grab the winner, confirmed after a lengthy VAR offside check.
Lautaro’s Post-Match Comments
“I got in there and I was able to score. These games are always like that, we have to keep playing in the same way, treating the games in this way, as they are all going to be complicated,” Lautaro told TyC Sports. Despite missing a chance to add a second goal, the solitary strike was enough to make it two wins out of two for Argentina and secure their place in the next round with a game to spare.
Canada Triumphs Over Peru
Jonathan David’s Decisive Goal
In other Copa America action, Jonathan David scored the only goal as Canada reignited their campaign with a 1-0 victory over 10-man Peru in Kansas City. Lille striker David, targeted by Manchester United and Chelsea, secured all three points with a cool finish at Children’s Mercy Park Stadium.
Heat and Drama
In scorching conditions, one referee’s assistant collapsed from heat exhaustion just before half-time. After Peru’s Miguel Araujo was dismissed for a foul on Jacob Shaffelburg, Canada capitalized. David’s goal from a sweeping counter-attack, assisted by Shaffelburg’s sensational pass, secured the win.
Peru’s Efforts Denied
Peru pressed for an equalizer, but Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made crucial saves to deny Christian Cueva and Paolo Guerrero. This victory was vital for Canada after their opening loss to Argentina.