Lionel Messi led Argentina to an early quarter-final qualification with a second consecutive win after playing 90 minutes. On June 26, Argentina claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chile in the second round of Group A at the Copa America 2024, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Following their 2-0 triumph over Canada in the opening match, Argentina secured their spot in the quarter-finals, irrespective of the final group match result against Peru, by recording two consecutive wins and six points.
Meanwhile, Chile remained tied for third place with Peru, having drawn one and lost one match (one point). Chile’s chances of advancing from the group stage hinge on a victory in their final game against Canada.
Messi’s start as a starter broke his record for the most appearances in Copa America (36 matches). Although he didn’t score, his sharp left-footed kicks and shots contributed to the team’s victory. Argentina dominated the first half, attempting 13 shots and not allowing one from Chile. However, they struggled to find a decisive goal against Chile’s solid defense.
In the first 15 minutes of the second half, it was unfortunate to see Argentina’s Nicolas Gonzalez’s powerful left-footed shot hit the post.
In response to the game’s frustrating flow, Argentina changed the phase 28 minutes into the second half. They replaced Gonzalez and Julian Alvarez with Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez.
The substitutions paid off. Forty-five minutes into the second half, Martinez immediately shot a ball cleared by the opposition, shaking the Chilean net. Martinez thus scored consecutive games after being subbed in, leading the team to victory.
Under the guidance of Coach Jesse Marsch and despite having a player sent off, Canada won their first victory after defeating Peru 1-0.
Marsch, who was also a candidate for the South Korean team’s coach, secured his first victory in four games after taking over the Canadian team. Before this, Canada had failed to score in three games, resulting in one draw and two losses.
Canada gained a numerical advantage in the first 14 minutes of the second half when Peru’s defender Miguel Araujo was sent off. Canada seized this opportunity. Twenty-nine minutes into the second half, Jonathan David scored a goal in a counterattack, securing the win.