Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Chile in the Copa América quarterfinals with a late goal by Lautaro Martínez. The goal came in the 88th minute off a rebound from a shot blocked by Chile’s goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo. This win guarantees Argentina a spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
The match saw a dominant performance from Argentina, with Lionel Messi showcasing his talent and skill on the field. Despite turning 37 the day before the match, Messi dazzled the crowd with his ability to navigate through defenders. The sellout crowd of 81,106 at MetLife Stadium witnessed Argentina’s dominance, with the team outshooting Chile 21-3 and leading in corner kicks 11-0.
Martínez’s goal, his 26th for the national team, was initially reviewed for a possible offside before being confirmed. This victory puts Argentina at the top of Group A with six points, followed by Canada with three points and Chile and Peru with one point each. Argentina will face Peru in their final match of the first round, while Canada will take on Chile.
The game also marked the 46th anniversary of Argentina winning its first World Cup title, with the teams playing at the same stadium where Chile defeated Argentina in the 2016 Copa América final. This defeat led Messi to briefly retire from international football before returning to the national team.
Throughout the match, both Messi and Bravo, former Barcelona teammates, showcased their experience and leadership as opposing captains. Bravo, at 41 years old, made eight saves in his 150th international appearance, making crucial stops to keep Chile in the game.
The stadium’s grass field, typically artificial turf, showed some wear with small brown patches behind one goal. Construction is underway to widen the field in preparation for the 2026 World Cup final to be hosted at the stadium.
Overall, Argentina’s victory over Chile was a hard-fought and well-deserved win that highlights the team’s strength and determination in the Copa América tournament. Messi’s performance, along with Martínez’s crucial goal, propelled Argentina to success in the quarterfinals of the competition.