Argentina turned the primary nation to guide their spot within the quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa America as Lautaro Martinez’s late strike delivered victory in opposition to Chile.

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

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 purpose, 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 in opposition to Argentina on the Copa America.

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

Martinez, who additionally scored after approaching instead in Friday’s 2-0 win in opposition to Canada, reacted quickest to a unfastened ball in a crowded penalty space after Chile didn’t take care of Messi’s nook.

“These matches are all the time like this, we now have to proceed in the identical method, treating the matches on this method, as they’re all going to be sophisticated,” Martinez informed TyC Sports activities.

“All the things was tight, they arrange traces of 5 at instances however we’re glad we ended up taking the three factors, which is what we wished.”

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