Lionel Messi and Argentina booked the first knockout stage berth at the 2024 Copa América thanks to a late, 1-0 win over Chile Tuesday night at Metlife Stadium.
Second-half substitute Lautaro Martínez clinched La Albiceleste's spot in the quarterfinals two minutes from time by firing home a loose ball off a Messi corner kick.
The superstar Inter Miami CF No. 10 played the full match and was Argentina's most dangerous player, hitting the post in the 36th minute with a long-range shot that froze 41-year-old goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
Bravo's eight saves prevented a more comfortable win for the defending champions, who are a perfect two wins in as many matches and will play for first place in Saturday's Group A finale against Peru.
Chile still have a chance to advance to the quarterfinals, but have yet to score a goal in two games. Up next for La Roja are Canada, who earlier Tuesday earned their first-ever Copa América win by defeating Peru 1-0 on Jonathan David's lone goal.
