Despite the absence of their veteran star Lionel Messi due to injury, Argentina, the world champion, achieved a perfect record in the group stage of the Copa America 2024, easily defeating Peru 2-0 today, Sunday. Striker Lautaro Martinez scored both goals, ensuring that "La Albiceleste" topped Group A with three victories after also defeating Canada 2-0 in the opening match and Chile 1-0.
Messi, an eight-time World Player of the Year, did not play against Peru after complaining of pain in his right adductor muscle. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni also missed the match due to a one-match suspension for returning late to the pitch during the breaks in the first two games. Argentina will face the runner-up of Group B in the quarter-finals, likely Ecuador or Mexico.