Argentina finished Group A with three wins from three games despite the absence of Lionel Messi for Saturday’s game in Miami, with Lautaro Martinez scoring his third and fourth goals in three games.
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Martinez was making his first start in the Copa America 2024 after scoring as a substitute in Argentina’s first two matches, and the Inter Milan striker scored again. Ángel Di María took a one-touch through ball, splitting the Peruvian defence and sending Martinez into the goal, where he lobbed the ball over the onrushing Pedro Gallese’s head and smashed it into the goal after one bounce.
Martinez made it 2-0 just before the end of the game, further strengthening his eligibility to start for the remainder of the tournament, replacing Manchester City’s Julián Álvarez. A high ball bounced into Peru’s penalty box as Martinez jostled for position with Aldo Corso. Martinez gave a light push to throw Corso off balance, got to the ball first and again could have got away with lifting it over Gallesé’s head.
After Argentina’s second group game win over Chile, Messi said he had some discomfort in his hamstring and was not 100% despite playing 90 minutes. The 37-year-old Messi will continue to manage his injury and is expected to play in the knockout stages as Argentina defend their Copa America title.
Argentina will face the runner-up of Group B in the quarterfinals. Venezuela (6 points) is currently in first place, with Ecuador (+1 GD) and Mexico (0 GD) tied with three points each.
Argentina vs Peru player ratings
Highlights of Argentina vs. Peru, final score: 2-0
Scorer: Lautaro Martínez (47′, 86′)
Goals: Argentina 2-0 Peru – Lautaro Martinez wins the ball back in the Peruvian penalty area and scores again
Penalty miss: Leandro Paredes nearly hits the post with his penalty
Goals: Argentina 1-0 Peru – Lautaro Martinez scores in three consecutive games for the defending champions
Argentina starting lineup
E. Martinez — Montiel, Pezerra, Otamendi, Tagliafico — Paredes, Palacios, Lo Celso — Di Maria, Garnacho, L. Martinez
Peru’s starting lineup
Gallese — Corso, Zambrano, Carrence — Cartagena, Peña, Reina, Polo, Lopez — Guerrero, Flores
How to watch Argentina vs Peru match, streaming links, start time
kick off: Saturday, 8pm ET (June 29)
Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
How to watch American TV: FS1, Fox Sports
Argentina team news and highlights
Argentina have scored three goals in the tournament, one from Manchester City star Julián Alvarez and two from Lautaro Martinez (one in each game). Another Martinez, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano, is yet to concede. Argentina have won seven straight games in all competitions, despite playing one game in Brazil and the rest in the United States.
Peruvian team news and highlights
Peru played four games in June, two friendlies and two Copa America matches. They kept three clean sheets but only scored one goal, scored by 30-year-old Edison Flores. The team’s two century players, André Carillo and Paolo Guerrero, will be desperate to score.
Argentina vs Peru predictions
You can’t replicate the desperation, nor can you replicate Argentina’s performance. This will be a closer match than many expect, but the Albiceleste should find a way to win. Argentina 1-0 Peru.
