In a thrilling match at MetLife Stadium, Argentina secured a 1-0 victory against Chile, thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s late goal. The crucial win, witnessed by a sellout crowd of 81,106 fans, has virtually assured Argentina a place in the Copa America quarterfinals. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Lionel Messi’s corner kick was deflected, allowing Martinez to score and clinch the win for Argentina.
With this victory, Argentina now leads Group A with six points, ahead of Canada (three), Chile (one), and Peru (one). This commanding position in the group standings provides Argentina with a comfortable cushion as they head into their final group match against Peru at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday. This game might offer an opportunity for Messi to rest, if necessary, given Argentina’s strong standing.
Despite not scoring or assisting in this match, Messi played a pivotal role in the team’s success. His corner kick led to the game-winning goal, underlining his continued influence on the field. This match marked the second consecutive Copa America game where Messi did not score, but his presence and strategic play remain invaluable to the team.
In achieving this victory, Messi also set a remarkable record by becoming the first player in history to advance past the group stage in international tournaments 12 consecutive times. This milestone highlights his exceptional consistency and enduring excellence on the international stage, further cementing his legacy in football history.