Argentina advances to the Copa America Quarterfinals

EAST RUTHERFORDNew Jersey, USA (AP) — The goal of Lautaro Martinez At 88 minutes he sentenced the game for the defending champion Argentina an agonizing 1-0 victory against Chili which placed him on Tuesday night in the quarterfinals of the America Cup.

After a couple of rebounds after a corner kick taken by star Lionel Messi, Lautaro finished first with his right foot to end a very tight match.

Messi’s corner was initially handled by a Chilean defender and then by Bravo. The ball landed at the feet of Lautaro, who scored his second goal of the tournament.

The “Toro” had to wait three minutes to be confirmed by the VAR for his 26th goal for the national team.

“I stayed there and I was able to convert. These games are like that, but we were able to win it,” said the top scorer in the Italian Serie A last season with Inter Milan.

The night after his 37th birthday, Messi showed signs of physical discomfort after receiving a hard blow during the first half and his Argentina, although clearly dominant, were not at their best.

Bravo, who at 40 years old was Chile’s most outstanding figure, was not able to try a shot on goal until he was 72.

The match was a full house, drawing 81,106 spectators to MetLife, the New Jersey stadium that will host the 2026 World Cup final.

Argentina established itself at the top of Group A, followed by Canada with three. Chile and Peru close with one each.

The Albiceleste will close the first phase against Peru outside Miami. At the same time, Canada will face Chile in Orlando, Florida.