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| Lautaro Martinez scores two goals, Argentina tops Peru without Messi to close Copa America group stage |
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Lionel Messi had a front-row seat on the Argentine national team’s bench as the reigning world champions finished Copa America group play with another victory.
Lautaro Martinez scored goals in the 47th and 86th minutes, and Argentina beat Peru 2-0 at Hard Rock Stadium in the final group play match for Group A on Saturday night 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, after coaching in place of the suspended head coach Lionel Scaloni. “Today, we proved we can play without him.”
Argentina already entered the match with a Copa America quarterfinal berth, awaiting the winner of Sunday’s match between Mexico and Ecuador to settle for 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, to become the tournament leaders in the category.
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