Argentina wrapped up Group A with three wins from three games, as Lautaro Martinez scored his third and fourth goals in three games, even without Lionel Messi available to play in Miami on Saturday.
[ MORE: 2024 Copa America predictions | Copa America schedule ]
Martinez made his first start at Copa America 2024 after scoring as a substitute in each of Argentina’s first two games, and the Inter Milan striker delivered yet again. Angel di Maria played a first-time through ball to split the Peruvian defense in half and send Martinez in on goal. Martinez lifted the ball over the out-rushing Pedro Gallese and one-hopped it home.
Martinez made it 2-0 shortly before full-time, further making his case for a starting spot ahead of Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez for the rest of this tournament. A high, bouncing ball went into Peru’s penalty area while Martinez jostled with Aldo Corzo for positioning. Martinez may have gotten away with a slight push to put Corzo off balance, get to the ball first and once again float it over Gallese.
After beating Chile in Argentina’s second group game, Messi said he felt some discomfort in his hamstring and that he was not 100 percent despite playing all 90 minutes. The 37-year-old is expected to continue to manage the injury and play in the knockout rounds, as Argentina defend their Copa America title.
Argentina will face the runners-up from Group B in the quarterfinals. Venezuela (6 points) currently sit top with Ecuador (+1 GD) and Mexico (0 GD) level on three points.
Argentina vs Peru player ratings
Argentina vs Peru highlights, final score: 2-0
Goalscorers: Lautaro Martinez (47', 86')
GOAL: Argentina 2-0 Peru - Lautaro Martinez wins the ball back in Peru’s box and scores again
WHO ELSE BUT LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ?! 🇦🇷
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
He scores his fourth goal in three games for Argentina 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4sFMt76Wbp
MISSED PENALTY: Leandro Paredes nearly breaks the post from the spot
PENALTY FOR ARGENTINA 🇦🇷
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
A handball in the box was called on this play ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/HzPonwORIt
OFF THE POST
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
Leandro Paredes misses the penalty for Argentina! pic.twitter.com/lIz2jkQjA0
GOAL: Argentina 1-0 Peru - Lautaro Martinez makes it three in three games for the defending champs
LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ 🔥
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
He scores his third goal in three games and puts Argentina on top 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/6TF5RV3vBd
Argentina starting lineup
E. Martinez — Montiel, Pezella, Otamendi, Tagliafico — Paredes, Palacios, Lo Celso — Di Maria, Garnacho, L. Martinez
Peru starting lineup
Gallese — Corzo, Zambrano, Callens — Cartagena, Pena, Reyna, Polo, Lopez — Guerrero, Flores
How to watch Argentina vs Peru, stream link and start time
Kick off: 8pm ET, Saturday (June 29)
Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
How to watch on TV in USA: FS1, Fox Sports
Argentina team news, focus
The Argentinians have scored thrice in this tournament, getting one from Manchester City star Julian Alvarez and a pair — one in each game — from Lautaro Martinez. Another Martinez — Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano — has yet to concede a goal. Argentina have won seven-straight across all competitions despite playing one game in Brazil and the rest in the United States.
Peru team news, focus
Peru have played four matches in June, two friendlies and two Copa America matches. They’ve kept three clean sheets but scored just once. That goal came from 30-year-old Edison Flores. The club’s two centurions, Andre Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero, would love to get on the score sheet.
Argentina vs Peru prediction
You can’t mimic desperation, nor can you replicate the class of Argentina. This will be closer than many expect, but the Albiceleste should find a way home. Argentina 1-0 Peru.