The latest news about Messi has helped Argentina fans to worry less, as the 37-year-old star only needs to rest to fully recover from his ιnjury and will play in the quarter-finals. He was on the bench when Argentina faced Peru at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on June 30, in the final match of Group A.

Messi (center) happily went to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens with his teammates, but he only sat on the bench throughout the match

AFA

Without Messi and coach Scaloni, the Argentina team is led by assistant coach, former player Walter Samuel. At the same time, the lineup has been changed with new players given the opportunity to start, such as striker Alejandro Garnacho, midfielder Exequiel Palacios or defender German Pezzella. Albiceleste still keeps top stars in the squad such as Di Maria, striker Lautaro Martinez, midfielders Paredes, Lo Celso and number 1 goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

This mixed lineup still helps the Argentine team completely take the initiative against the underdog Peru team. However, throughout the first half they dominated and created many opportunities, all of which Albiceleste’s strikers missed. Among them, the 19-year-old young star, striker Garnacho of MU Club, had the opportunity to score his first goal for the team, but the shot was saved by goalkeeper Pedro Gallese (Peru team).

The Argentina team (right) took the initiative against their opponent Peru.

AFA

In the second half, in the first minute, the Argentine team launched an extremely fast аttаck initiated by striker Lautaro Martinez, before Di Maria created the opportunity to score the opening goal of the match. 

In the 87th minute, Lautaro Martinez scored again to make it 2-0 to seal the victory for Albiceleste. This double helped Lautaro Martinez score 4 goals after 3 group stage matches, taking the lead in the top scorer tournament.

Lautaro Martinez continuously scored goals for Argentina

AFP

Argentina could have won even more if midfielder Paredes had not missed a penalty kιck in the 72nd minute. 

However, this result is satisfactory for coach Scaloni’s team when they won all 3 matches in the group stage to gain 9 absolute points, scored 5 goals and did not concede any goals. Above all, they have had the conditions for famous player Messi to rest comfortably to prepare for the quarter-final match on July 5 when the top team of Group A will meet the second team of Group B (possibly Ecuador or Mexico).

In the other Group A match at the same time, Canada drew 0-0 with Chile to join Argentina in the quarterfinals in their first Copa America appearance. Canada, who finished second in Group A, will face Group B winner (possibly Venezuela) on July 6.