It certainly wasn’t pretty, but Lionel Messi and the defending champions were able to escape with three points against a fierce rival
It’s been eight years since Argentina played Chile in this very building in this very tournament. On Tuesday night, the two South American heavyweights returned to MetLife Stadium outside of New York, the site of one of Lionel Messi’s biggest heartbreaks. On that night eight years ago, he temporarily retired from the national team. It was arguably his lowest low.
In front of more 81,000 fans, Argentina picked up their second win in as many group games, edging Chile 1-0 with a late goal. It wasn’t pretty in the slightest. It was physical, dirty and, at times, downright ugly. Argentina survived, though, as they have just about every time over the last three years.
Messi wasn’t the hero this time. That title goes to Lautaro Martinez, who came off the bench to bail out Argentina. Through 88 minutes, Argentina had failed to break down a resolute Chile team. The Chileans, though, couldn’t quite stop Martinez.
It required luck, the bounce of a corner kick to the Inter man on the backpost. But in a game with fine margins, that’s what it so often takes. Argentina didn’t always have that luck in past years, but the sure do now.
Next up is a group stage finale against Peru, but their spot in the knockouts is already assured. Their Copa America defense hasn’t been perfect, but their record has been. Messi and co. are onto the next one.
GOAL rates Argentina’s players from MetLife Stadium.
Goalkeeper & Defense
Emiliano Martinez (7/10):
Made a massive save in the 72nd minute, his first of the night, before making another one two minutes later. He didn’t have much to do overall, but he stepped up in the moments he did.
Nicolas Tagliafico (6/10):
Combined really well with Nico Gonzalez on that left-hand side. Did his thing defensively, too, which was key in this physical battle.
Cristian Romero (8/10):
Absolutely monstrous in defense. Swatted everything Chile could throw at him away, and he did so with ease.
Lisandro Martinez (7/10):
Not nearly as dominant as his partner, but this game was one made for “The Butcher.” Battled all night long, as he always does.
Nahuel Molina (7/10):
Had one really good chance just after halftime, but that was pushed away by Claudio Bravo. Was the more attacking of the two fullbacks as he had a few good moments going forward.
Midfield
Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):
Incredible on the ball throughout. His passing was fantastic, but he also had a few chances of his own. Unlucky not to score what would have been a deserved goal.
Rodrigo De Paul (6/10):
Let a few shots rip from range on top of his usual bodyguard duties. Was lucky not to be punished early, though, for stepping on Gabriel Suazo’s ankle.
Enzo Fernandez (6/10):
Quietly did a lot well before being taken out in the 64th minute. Argentina’s midfield looked worse after his departure, which is something of a compliment to the Chelsea star.
Attack
Nicolas Gonzalez (7/10):
Smashed the crossbar with one of Argentina’s best chances. Even outside of that, he was dangerous throughout his time on the field. He’s struggled a bit at times with Argentina, but this was a good performance.
Julian Alvarez (6/10):
Didn’t really get enough service. Was actually dangerous the few times he did get the ball, but it wasn’t often enough.
Lionel Messi (7/10):
The playmaking was there, but it felt like he could have, and should have, been more selfish. Messi created a few good chances that faded away, but this game was calling for him to do something magical. His corner kick did lead to Martinez’s goal, to his credit, but this was still far from Messi’s best day.
