Lautaro Martinez scored twice, leading Argentina to a victory over Peru and securing their place at the top of the group stage in the Copa America. The team managed this impressive feat even without their star player, Lionel Messi, showcasing their depth and resilience as they head into the knockout rounds.

 

**MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.** — Lionel Messi had a front-row seat on the Argentine national team’s bench as the reigning world champions closed out Copa America group play with another victory.

Lautaro Martinez scored in the 47th and 86th minutes, leading Argentina to a 2-0 win over Peru at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night, in the final group play match for Group A. Argentina secured the win without Messi in action.
                                                                             


“Of course, we always want to have Leo in our team, but when Leo is not there, we do our best,” said Argentine assistant coach Walter Samuel, who was coaching in place of the suspended head coach Lionel Scaloni. “Today, we proved we can play without him.”

Argentina had already secured a Copa America quarterfinal berth and now awaits the winner of Sunday’s match between Mexico and Ecuador to determine second place in Group B. Argentina’s next match is on July 4 at NRG Stadium in Houston.


“We have three wins in three games in the group stage, and, well, nothing. Congratulations. Let’s recover and think about what’s to come,” said Martinez, who scored four of Argentina’s five goals in group play, making him the tournament's leading scorer.

**Lionel Messi Remains Day-to-Day with Injury**

Messi, listed as a substitute on Argentina’s roster but wearing blue shorts instead of Argentina’s white uniform, did not play as he continues to recover from a right groin/adductor injury sustained in the previous match against Chile last Tuesday.


Samuel mentioned that Messi’s condition is improving, but he remains day-to-day. Messi left the stadium smiling, walking with his Argentine teammates through the postgame mixed media zone without any visible limitations.

“He’s getting better. But it’s been a couple of days and it’s too early to tell,” Samuel said of Messi. “We want to talk to the doctors and listen to them.”

Scaloni, Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach, watched the match from a suite inside the stadium, serving a one-game suspension for Argentina taking too long to return to the pitch at the start of the second half against Chile at MetLife Stadium.

**Martinez Shines in Argentina’s Win**



The Argentines were the first on the pitch when the second half began Saturday night, evident by Martinez’s goal in the first two minutes after halftime, assisted by Angel Di Maria. After scoring, Martinez embraced Messi with a hug on the sidelines.

Martinez wasn’t done scoring. In the 86th minute, with a stiff arm and a chip shot over Peru goalie Pedro Gallese, he added his second goal of the match.


While fans may have been disappointed not to see Messi play in his new hometown, the sold-out crowd cheered loudly when Messi was shown on the big screens inside the stadium.

If Argentina advances further in the Copa America, there’s hope that Messi will return to action soon.