Argentina grew to become the primary nation to ebook their spot within the quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa America as Lautaro Martinez’s late strike delivered victory towards Chile.

The defending champions have been dominant all through at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with 22 photographs.

Manchester Metropolis striker Julian Alvarez and Fiorentina midfielder Nicolas Gonzalez have been the primary to check Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, setting the tone early on.

Argentina’s finest alternative of the primary half fell to talisman Lionel Messi however the Inter Miami star was denied by the publish.

The sample of play remained the identical after the break with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister spurning a golden alternative.

It took till the 72nd minute for Chile to register their first try at objective, Rodrigo Echeverria forcing a save out of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

That probability appeared to spark Chile into life. Echeverria and Marcelino Nunez each examined Aston Villa primary Martinez as Chile seemed to finish a winless run of 30 video games towards Argentina on the Copa America.

With the sport heading in direction of a irritating draw, Inter Milan striker Martinez broke the impasse within the 88th minute.

Martinez, who additionally scored after approaching as an alternative in Friday’s 2-0 win towards Canada, reacted quickest to a unfastened ball in a crowded penalty space after Chile did not cope with Messi’s nook.

“These matches are at all times like this, we’ve to proceed in the identical manner, treating the matches on this manner, as they’re all going to be sophisticated,” Martinez advised TyC Sports activities.

“The whole lot was tight, they arrange traces of 5 at instances however we’re blissful we ended up taking the three factors, which is what we needed.”

Argentina are high of Group A and are assured a top-two end with a match to spare. They play their ultimate group sport towards Peru on Sunday (01:00 BST).