Lautaro Martinez scored two goals in the second half to lead Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Peru in the Copa America, securing the top spot in Group A and eliminating Peru from the tournament. The Inter Milan striker, starting in the competition for the first time, found the net in the 47th and 86th minutes to secure his third consecutive goal in as many matches. Martinez was pleased with his performance and stated that he was happy to contribute to the team’s success after facing criticism for his previous performances.
Martinez scored his first goal in the 47th minute by finishing off a beautiful move with a calm chip over the Peru goalkeeper. He repeated the feat in the 86th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to chip the ball over the goalkeeper again for his second goal. The Argentine forward expressed his satisfaction with his performances and mentioned that he felt ready to prove himself in the Copa America after a disappointing World Cup campaign in 2022. He credited his successful season at Inter Milan for his good form in the tournament.
Argentina had already qualified for the quarterfinals before the match against Peru, having secured wins against Canada and Chile. The defending champions took the opportunity to rest key players, including captain Lionel Messi, who was recovering from a thigh injury. Despite the absence of Messi and their coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina dominated the match, largely controlling possession and creating scoring opportunities. They missed a chance to extend their lead when Leandro Paredes missed a penalty in the 72nd minute.
With the victory over Peru, Argentina finished at the top of Group A, setting up a quarterfinal match against the Group B runner-up in Houston. Meanwhile, Canada secured their spot in the knockout rounds after holding Chile to a 0-0 draw in the other Group A match. The defending champions will look to continue their strong performance in the tournament and defend their title, with players like Martinez stepping up to make a difference on the field.Argentina’s convincing performance against Peru showcased their depth and determination as they look to retain the Copa America title. The team’s ability to rest key players and still secure a victory highlights their strength and versatility, with Martinez proving to be a key player in their quest for success. As they head into the knockout rounds, Argentina will face tougher challenges, but their strong showing in the group stage bodes well for their chances of lifting the trophy once again.
