Already qualified, Argentina secured an easy 2-0 victory against Peru on the last day of the Copa America group stage. His captain Lionel Messi remained on the bench.
The defending champions Argentina were welcomed to Miami by a sea of supporters. But the local fans, who have been watching Messi play for Inter Miami since last year, were this time deprived of the presence of the Argentine talisman, who was left to rest.
After its two victories against Canada and Chile, the Albiceleste was indeed already qualified. It took a long time to get going, finally finding the net after returning from the locker room with a goal from Lautaro Martinez in the 47th minute. The Inter striker (Milan this time) doubled the lead in the 86th minute.
The Argentines are therefore full of confidence with nine points in three games and will meet the 2nd in Group B – probably the winner of Mexico – Ecuador – in Houston on Thursday evening.
In the other Group A match, Chile also had to win to get ahead of Canada, the evening’s opponent, but did not do better than a 0-0. The “Canucks” will face the leaders of Group B – probably Venezuela – next Friday in Arlington.
ats/adav
