Player ratings: Messi dangerous and Argentina win against Chile

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Substitute Lautaro Martínez scored late as Argentina beat Chile 1-0 at MetLife Stadium in Copa América Group A Tuesday night, easily advancing the defending champions to the quarters of final.

Argentina dominated much of the match but failed to convert that superiority into goals. Julián Álvarez missed an early chance, his soft shot being saved by Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. Lionel Messi survived an early injury to twice go close – including hitting the post – as the reigning champions went into half-time in the ascendancy, but not on the scoreboard.

Argentina had more chances after the break. Nahuel Molina was denied by Bravo, Alexis Mac Allister couldn’t reach a Messi free-kick and Bravo tipped Nico Gonzalez’s shot onto the bar.

At the other end, Albiceleste Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was finally called into action, saving twice from Rodrigo Echeverria, before Martinez broke the deadlock in the 88th minute to give Argentina two wins from two in the tournament.

Manager’s rating (scale of 1 to 10)

Lionel Scaloni, 8 years old — Made three changes to the team that beat Canada, bringing in Nicolás Tagliafico, Enzo Fernández and Nicolas Gonzalez. Gonzalez, in particular, proved to be the right decision. Scaloni was proactive, making five substitutions as Argentina chased a goal, and Martinez got the job done.

Player Ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Emiliano Martinez, 7 years old — He had a very quiet first half where he didn’t face a single shot, but made two important saves in Echeverria’s second.

DF Nahuel Molina, 7 years old — Made a dangerous cross in the first half from the right and could have scored after halftime.

DF Cristian Romero, 7 years old — Luckily he didn’t concede an early penalty for his challenge on Víctor Dávila, but otherwise he did well and was involved in the goal.

DF Lisandro Martínez, 6 years old — We had a quiet evening, with Chile offering almost nothing in attack.

DF Nicolas Tagliafico, 6 — He looked good attacking on the flanks, but didn’t have much to do defensively.

MF Enzo Fernández, 6 years old — Replaced Leandro Paredes in the team, but was the first player replaced as Argentina searched for a goal.

MF Alexis Mac Allister, 7 years old — He could have easily scored in the second half, but Messi’s ball into the box was just out of reach.

Mr. F. Rodrigo De Paul, 6 years old — Brings energy to the midfield, even if his end product is often frustrated. He could have been punished for a challenge on Gabriel Suazo.

MF Nicolas Gonzalez, 7 years old — He looked sharp and made his case to retain his place in the starting XI. He shook the posts in the second half with a powerful shot.

FW Lionel Messi, 8 years old — Caught on the thigh by Suazo in the first half, requiring long treatment. Nearly scored twice on three occasions, including hitting the post.

FW Julian Alvarez, 6 years old – He had two excellent chances in the first half, including the first, when he shot at Bravo while left in space inside the box.

Substitutes

MF Giovani Lo Celso, 6 — Scaloni’s first change didn’t stand out.

MF Angel Di Maria, NR — Shot down once, as he advanced into the penalty area, and was so close to scoring a second goal.

FW Lautaro Martinez, NR — Scored the most important goal and could have scored another in added time.

DF Marcos Acuna, NR — Launched to give more width to the team.

DF Gonzalo Montiel, NR — I didn’t have time to do much.