Miami Gardens, FL – Lautaro Martínez scored a second-half brace to lead Argentina to a 2-0 win over Peru and eliminate the Incas from the Copa America 2024. Argentina, without Lionel Messi and with nine changes in the starting lineup, was able to control the match from start to finish.
Argentina 🇦🇷, even without Lionel #Messi is a team full of star ⭐️ players
The defending #CopaAmerica champions have amazing depth on the roster#Conmebol pic.twitter.com/m8jotvLSVO
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) June 29, 2024
Argentina’s Starting XI were Emiliano Martínez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Gonzalo Montiel, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Lautaro Martínez, Alejandro Garnacho, and Angel Di Maria. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez & Nicolas Tagliafico were the only starters from Argentina’s previous group-stage matches.
Peru 🇵🇪 is playing for their lives tonight & they will start an older legend, Paolo Guerrero…
The Incas need to play much better than they have so far in #CopaAmerica to beat Argentina#Conmebol https://t.co/Z3l7ghdxz0
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) June 29, 2024
Peru’s Starting XI were Pedro Gallese, Carlos Zambrano, Alexander Callens, Oliver Sonne, Aldo Corzo, Bryan Reyna, Sergio Pena, Wilder Cartagena, Marcos Lopez, Edison Flores and Paolo Guerrero.
The Argentines commanded the action in the first half with 79% possession to Peru’s 21% and managed three dangerous shots on goal while Peru had none. Peruvian goalie Pedro Gallesse made three big saves to keep the Argentines off the scoreboard.
Argentina scored two minutes into the second half after Lautaro Martínez put one to rest in the Peruvian net. Angel Di Maria knifed a perfect pass through the middle of the Peru defense that found Martínez streaking towards goal. Lautaro controlled the ball and put it past Gallese for the 1-0 lead.
Lautaro Martínez gives Argentina 🇦🇷 the lead at the start of the 2nd half…#CopaAmerica #Conmebol
pic.twitter.com/3vnGI4clSu— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) June 30, 2024
Peru had some chances to get on the board, but “Dibu” Martínez made sensational saves to keep the clean sheet. Lautaro Martínez increased the Argentina lead in the 86th minute on what was a bit of a controversial play. Martínez ran down a long ball over the top and seemed to nudge the Peruvian defender on his back causing him to lose balance and fall. The referee did not consider it a foul and Martínez chipped it past Gallese for the final 2-0 scoreline.
Lautaro Martínez is on a tear for Argentina 🇦🇷 gives them the 2-0 lead#CopaAmerica #Conmebol
pic.twitter.com/ltH8UsIsnM— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) June 30, 2024
Angel Di Maria
Lionel Messi suited up for Argentina but did not play in the match versus Peru. In his place another legend, Angel Di Maria, wore the mythical captain’s armband. Di Maria, who has said that the Copa America 2024 will be his last time representing his country had a special night in Miami. Pia, his young daughter walked onto the pitch with him and stood next to him as the Argentine national anthem played.
“There isn’t much time left for me, so to be able to enjoy it with my family, with my daughter on the field was something very nice” – Di Maria
He felt right at home in Hard Rock Stadium with the majority Argentinian announced crowd of 64,972 singing and chanting throughout the match.
“We always feel like the home team… The stadiums are full wherever we go and that is why we want to give the fans our best in every game to make them happy” – Di Maria
Angel Di Maria’s time with the Argentine national team is coming to an end soon. Still, until then, the legendary player will continue to provide brilliance on the pitch for all futbol enthusiasts to enjoy.
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