Copa América: Late strike seals Argentina win as Canada grab historic victory
Lautaro Martínez scores in 88th minute for championsCanada break down 10-man Peru in sweltering heat
Lautaro Martínez scored from a rebound in the 88th minute, giving defending champion Argentina and Lionel Messi a 1-0 victory over Chile on Tuesday night that guaranteed a berth in the Copa America quarter-finals.
Messi’s corner led to a shot that was blocked by Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, and Martínez was on hand to score his second goal of the tournament from Argentina’s 21st shot of the match. Players stood and waited for three minutes while the goal, Martínez’s 26th for his country, was confirmed by video review.
Playing a day after his 37th birthday, Messi frequently flaunted his talent as he slalomed through defenders before an adoring sellout crowd of 81,106 at MetLife Stadium, which will host the 2026 World Cup final. Argentina had 21 shots to Chile’s three and Chile didn’t have their first attempt on goal until the 72nd minute.
