Lautaro Martinez struck twice in the second half to help Argentina’s second string beat Peru 2-0 at the Copa America on Saturday and finish top of Group A, knocking Peru out of the tournament.
AS IT HAPPENED: Argentina vs Peru Highlights, Copa America 2024
Argentina had already qualified for the quarter-finals before the match in Miami with wins over Canada and Chile, the other teams in the group.
That security allowed the defending champion to rest key players, including captain Lionel Messi, but despite making nine changes to its starting line-up, Argentina was largely untroubled by their opponents.
Martinez finished off a flowing move in the 47th minute, coolly chipping the ball over Peru keeper Pedro Gallese, and repeated the trick in the 86th minute, chipping Gallese again for his second goal after some sloppy defending by Peru.
“I went to hug Leo for everything he means to us,” Martínez said through an interpreter.
“Every time I wear this shirt I enjoy it,” Martínez said. “Many want to wear this shirt. I work to show the coach that I am ready to play when he needs me.”
Argentina had a gilt-edged chance to extend their lead when it was awarded a penalty for handball in the 72nd minute, but Leandro Paredes smashed his spot-kick off the post.
Argentina assistant Walter Samuel, who took suspended Lionel Scaloni’s place at the touchline, commented on Lionel Messi’s injury.
“I talked to him, and he’s getting better,” Samuel said through an interpreter, “but it’s been just a couple of days and it’s too early to tell. We want to continue to listen to him and the doctors.”
It will be joined in the knockout rounds by group runners-up Canada, who qualified for the last eight after holding Chile to a 0-0 draw in the other Group A match.
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