Chile 0-1 Argentina takeaways: Late winner, Messi’s injury scare, Argentina in quarterfinals

In a rematch of the 2016 Copa America final, Argentina and Chile returned to a sold-out MetLife Stadium for a fiercely contested battle that ended in Argentina’s favor thanks to a late goal from Lautaro Martinez.

Chile frustrated the world champions all night, even as they failed to register a shot on goal until deep into the second half, while early on Argentina suffered a scare when Lionel Messi required some work from the physio on a right leg injury.

After 21 Argentina shots, however, they finally found a breakthrough in the 88th minute to earn a 1-0 victory and book a place in the quarterfinals.

The Athletic’s Felipe Cardenas and Melanie Anzidei answer the key questions…

Was Messi’s first-half injury cause for concern?

Messi was off to the side of the pitch for a few minutes in the first half. Argentina pressed on with one or two offensive plays without him, as Argentina’s trainer worked on Messi’s upper right leg area. Messi had his share of collisions with Chilean players but it was unclear what happened to Argentina’s captain.

The injury was short-lived, and Messi was back in action within minutes. He seemed in good spirits, too. Not long after that scary moment, he had a long-range strike that nearly gave Argentina a lead before halftime, and he then played right through a group of Chilean players. That last move drew audible gasps in the press box.

Still, any Messi injury is enough to raise eyebrows. The Inter Miami striker missed six games this MLS season due to muscle injuries, and had manager Tata Martino playing Messi under limited minutes. When Argentina traveled for a pair of friendlies in the U.S. in March, Messi was a notable absence. His teammates at the time said they missed their captain and expressed how they wanted Messi to prioritize rest to make a full recovery in time for Copa America.

Messi in pain during the first half (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

How did Chile approach the match?

Clearly, Chile doesn’t fear Argentina. And why would they? La Roja can confidently say that they owned Argentina in two consecutive Copa America finals (2015-2016). Sure the Chileans have hung on to their old guard for far too long, but there’s one thing Chile has always done well: frustrate their opponents. If their press isn’t working, they’ll sit deeper and aim to stop play with calculated fouls. Chile is among South America’s masters of the dark arts and that’s what kept them in the match after 45 minutes.

Messi was frustrated with Uruguayan referee Andres Matonte, as cameras caught the Argentina captain saying “dos faltas” (two fouls) by the Chileans that he felt went unpunished. Chile did not record a shot in the first half (their first came in the 72nd minute) as Argentina dominated possession. Chile head coach Ricardo Gareca had told reporters before the match that Chile would bring their characteristic intensity to the match and attempt to set the tone, despite facing the world’s No. 1 ranked team. He wasn’t kidding.

Messi argues with the referee at the end of the first half (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

How was the goal scored?

It was a painstaking final 10 minutes as a scoreless draw drew ever closer. But victory came for Argentina after two quick corner attempts – the first with Messi yet again attempting the elusive Olimpico. It was off the second corner that Lautaro Martinez buried the ball in the net, with a sold-out crowd of roughly 82,000 fans on their feet.

Even then there was jeopardy, however, as the video assistant referee checked the goal for offside interference. The check took several minutes… but eventually went in Argentina’s favor.

THERE IT IS FOR ARGENTINA 🇦🇷

Lautaro Martínez finds the back of the net in the 88th minute 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ylQhfCmc9b

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2024

What does this result mean?

Argentina is through to the quarterfinals of the Copa America but it could yet be in first or second place in Group A. Lionel Scaloni’s side lead its group with six points and +3 goal difference after two matches, followed by Canada (three points, -1 GD), Chile (one point, -1 GD) and Peru (one point, -1 GD).

Argentina’s final game is against Peru (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL) and Canada face Chile (Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando, FL). Both matches kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET on June 29 (1 a.m. UK, June 30).

What did the managers say?

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni on Messi’s fitness: “I didn’t speak with him after the game. He ended up playing through. You saw he had the 50-meter sprint there… and it’s the last image I have (in my head). I can’t say more because I haven’t seen him.”

Chile head coach Ricardo Gareca: “I believe that we are in a position to improve (against Canada). We have very strong players, and I believe that we are in a position to be able to compete with Canada.

“I believe we can achieve it, we had the chances – and then, of course, knowing it’s a game where we are going to give it our all.”

Required reading

(Top photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images)