Argentina’s national football team secured their place in the Copa América 2024 quarterfinals with a tense 1-0 victory over Chile, a win that extends their undefeated streak against the Chileans in the competition to 30 matches. The crucial goal was scored by Lautaro Martinez in the 88th minute, following a corner kick from Lionel Messi, who had earlier hit the post and played a key role in the game despite suffering from a leg injury and fever. Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez, was instrumental in keeping the scoreline in favor of Argentina with several crucial interventions. The match was not only a display of Argentina’s attacking prowess, with 21 shots and 11 corner kicks, but also a testament to their defensive solidity and the team’s self-belief and persistence. Messi, turning 37 and playing with physical limitations, criticized the pitch conditions but highlighted the team’s ability to find solutions against a defensive Chilean side. With this win, Argentina not only avenges the painful defeat to Chile in the 2016 Copa América at MetLife Stadium but also tops Group A with a perfect record, setting up a final group stage clash with Peru.
Key points
- Argentina beats Chile 1-0, securing a spot in the Copa América quarterfinals.
- Lautaro Martinez scores the late winner, continuing Argentina’s 30-match win streak against Chile in the Copa América.
- Lionel Messi plays a pivotal role despite an injury and fever, expressing concerns over the pitch conditions.
Contradictions👾While most sources report the winning goal was scored in the 88th minute, one source incorrectly states it was scored in the 43rd minute of the second half.
