Copa America: Martinez double sends Argentina top of group

Lautaro Martinez scored twice in the second half to lead a second-string Argentina to a 2-0 win over Peru early Sunday to top Group A at the Copa America and knock Peru out of the tournament.

Martinez, who started for the first time in the tournament, scored in the 47th and 86th minutes to score for the third consecutive match.

The Inter Milan striker finished off a smooth attack in the 47th minute by calmly chipping the ball over Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, then repeated the same move in the 86th minute by chipping the ball over Gallese again to score his second goal after a defensive stumbling block by the opposing team.

“I’m happy that I was able to score in the three group stage matches and that I was able to help the team, and that’s what’s important,” Martinez, who was criticised for his performances at the 2022 World Cup, which Argentina won, told TyC Sports.

“I am fine, as I said at the end of the match with Chile, I had a great season with my team and I felt good. I felt ready to get over the bitterness I suffered at the World Cup, which was important for me, and prepare well for the Copa America, which I did and I am showing it. Let’s keep working.”

Argentina had already qualified for the quarter-finals before the match in Miami, beating Canada and Chile in their first two rounds.

Securing qualification gave Argentina a chance to rest key players, including team captain Lionel Messi.

Messi, who celebrated his 37th birthday on Monday, is recovering from a thigh injury sustained in Tuesday’s win over Chile and is expected to return for Thursday’s quarter-final in Houston against the second-place team in Group B.

Despite the absence of their coach Lionel Scaloni, due to suspension and a fine due to his team’s delay in returning from the locker room before the second half in their previous two matches, and the major change in the starting lineup, Argentina were largely not threatened by the opponent.

The defending champions dominated possession in the first half and had three chances to shoot on goal, but Peru goalkeeper Gallese kept the score level with a series of saves, most notably a perfect free kick from Leandro Paredes in the 26th minute.

Argentina had a golden chance to extend their lead when they were awarded a penalty for handball in the 72nd minute but Paredes’ shot hit the post.

Argentina will be joined in the quarter-finals by Canada, the group’s second-placed team, which qualified after a goalless draw with Chile in the other Group A match.