Messi-Led Argentina Beat Chile To Book Quarterfinal Berth

Lionel Messi’s Argentina cruised into the quarterfinals of Copa America 2024 after defeating Chile 1-0 in the Group A match. With this win Argentina also became the first team to seal a spot in the quarterfinals.

Argentina sits on top of the table with six points, having won both the games played, including the one against Canada.

Lautaro Martinez’s late goal helped Argentina to secure a win. The only goal of the match came in the 88th minute after a scramble which was caused by a corner kick from Messi.

The Last-Minute Goal ft. Messi 

El TORO metió a Argentina en cuartos 🐂 pic.twitter.com/52EA9289qR

— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) June 26, 2024

Martinez dispatched the ball into the roof of the net for his second goal of the tournament. It was Argentina’s 21st shot of the match.

“We deserved the win. It was not an easy match,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “We managed to win at the moment least expected, ” he added.”

Playing a day after his 37th birthday, Messi almost scored a goal in the 36th minute with a powerful low drive that ended up hitting the post.

Over 80,000 fans showed up at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to witness the star footballer in Argentina’s match against Chile.

Also Read: 5 Players To Watch Out For At Copa America 2024

The Messi-led Argentina had the chance to finish the game off in stoppage time with a two-on-one break but Martinez fired a close range shot straight to Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez did not have much to do for over an hour and found himself called into action twice more over the next few minutes, keeping out efforts from Echeverria and Marcelino Nunez.

While the 15-times title holders dominated the game for the most parts, Chile posed threats on counter-attack with Emiliano Martinez making two crucial saves. from Rodrigo Echeverria.

Also Read: Lionel Messi Scripts History In Copa America 2024

With the loss, Chile extended its winless streak against Argentina to 30 matches in the Copa America. Chile have won the title twice but have never beaten Argentina in regulation time at the tournament. Chile beat Argentina on penalties in the final of the 2015 and 2016 editions.