They left it incredibly late, but Argentina made it two wins from two games to begin their Copa America defense, beating Chile 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Tuesday.
[ MORE: 2024 Copa America predictions | Copa America schedule ]
The reigning world and South American champions were held at bay by 41-year-old Claudio Bravo until the 88th minute, even as Argentina dominated possession (61-39), shots (22-3), and xG (2.38-0.12) to a laughable degree. The victory puts Argentina top of Group A and through to the knockout rounds. With a point in their final group game against Peru (or points dropped by Canada against Chile), Argentina will finish top.
It was Lautaro Martinez who got the goal in the end after Lionel Messi’s corner kick was only partially cleared. The ball bounced out the back side of the scrum and fell right to Martinez, who also scored as a substitute in Argentina’s opening victory against Canada, to rifle past Bravo. There was a lengthy video review regarding Alexis Mac Allister potentially being offside when he made a play on the ball just before Martinez’s strike. The goal eventually stood, and it was all La Albiceleste needed.
Argentina vs Chile player ratings
Argentina vs Chile highlights, final score: 1-0
Goalscorers: Lautaro Martinez (88')
GOAL: Argentina 1-0 Chile - Lautaro Martinez hammers the late winner off a corner kick
THERE IT IS FOR ARGENTINA 🇦🇷
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2024
Lautaro Martínez finds the back of the net in the 88th minute 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ylQhfCmc9b
Argentina starting lineup
E. Martinez — Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico — Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister — Gonzalez, Messi, Alvarez
Chile starting lineup
Bravo — Isla, Lichnovksy, Diaz, Suazo — Pulgar, Echeverria, Sanchez — Davila, Osorio, Vargas
How to watch Argentina vs Chile, stream link and start time
Kick off: 9pm ET, Tuesday (June 25)
Stadium: MetLife Stadium - East Rutherford, New Jersey
How to watch on TV in USA: Fox Sports
Argentina team news, focus
Martinez and Julian Alvarez scored the goals against Canada, taking some of the scoring load off Messi’s back and allowing the 37-year-old (his birthday was on Monday) to drift around in midfield and pull the strings more. Of course, when push comes to shove later in the tournament, Messi has shown with Inter Miami and in frequent appearances for Argentina since moving to MLS, that he can still take over and decide games himself.
Chile team news, focus
La Roja played Peru to a hard-fought scoreless draw over the weekend. Winger Diego Valdes injured his foot in the first half of the opener and is expected to miss the rest of the tournament. Sheffield United’s Ben Brereton Diaz could be in line to replace Valdes in the starting lineup.
Argentina vs Chile prediction
As sharp as they looked in the opener, you could tell there was still a lot more to come from Argentina. That’s genuinely terrifying for the rest of the field. Argentina 2-0 Chile.