Lautaro Martínez double for Argentina sinks Peru in Copa América

Lautaro Martínez scored twice in the second half to help Argentina’s second team beat Peru 2-0 in the Copa América on Saturday and top Group A, knocking Peru out of the tournament. Martínez, starting for the first time in the competition, found the net in the 47th and 86th minutes to score for the third straight game.

The Internazionale striker finished off a fluid move by coolly slotting the ball over Peruvian keeper Pedro Gallese and repeated the trick to secure victory after sloppy defending from Peru.

Before the match in Miami, Argentina had already qualified for the quarter-finals with victories over Canada and Chile. That safety ensured that the defending champions could rest important players, including captain Lionel Messi.

Messi, who celebrated his 37th birthday on Monday, is recovering from a thigh injury suffered during their win over Chile on Tuesday. He is expected to return on Thursday for their quarter-final in Houston against the runners-up from Group B.

Argentina missed the presence of their talisman in the first half as the world champions struggled to create quality scoring chances. La Albiceleste dominated possession in the first half and had three shots on target, but Gallese kept the score respectable with a series of saves. The most notable save came from a well-struck free kick by Leandro Paredes in the 26th minute.

The defending champions were handed a golden opportunity to extend their lead when they were awarded a penalty for handball in the 72nd minute, but Paredes punched his spot-kick off the post.

Despite the absence of their coach Lionel Scaloni, who was suspended and fined in two previous matches for a late start in the second half, and a much-changed starting line-up, Argentina were generally untroubled by their opponents.

Argentina will be joined in the knockout rounds by group runners-up Canada. Canada qualified for the round of 16 after drawing 0-0 with Chile in the other Group A match.