Copa America 2024: Without Messi, Argentina remains undefeated, Canada follows into the quarterfinals

On the morning of June 30, the Argentine team took the field without Messi (injured) and coach Scaloni (banned from coaching), but the Albiceleste still easily won against Peru with a score of 2-0. In the remaining match, the Canadian team drew 0-0 with Chile to secure a ticket to the next round.

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 injury 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.

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 formation still helped the Argentine team take the initiative against the far weaker Peru team. However, throughout the first half, the Albiceleste strikers played overwhelmingly and created many opportunities, but they all missed. Among them, the 19-year-old young star, striker Garnacho of MU Club, had the opportunity to score the first goal for the team, but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Pedro Gallese (Peru team).

In the second half, in the first minute, the Argentine team organized an extremely fast attack initiated by striker Lautaro Martinez, before being assisted by Di Maria 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.

The Argentine team could have won even more if midfielder Paredes had not missed a penalty kick 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.