Argentina defeats Peru without Messi

Argentina kept its perfect start in the Copa America by beating Peru 2-0 in Miami on Saturday, even though Lionel Messi was ill.

At the Hard Rock Stadium, Lautaro Martinez scored twice to seal a win that sent Argentina to the quarterfinals as the winner of Group A.

Argentina made nine changes to their starting eleven at the Hard Rock Stadium because Messi was out with a sore right leg, and coach Lionel Scaloni was suspended for one game.

Even though the lineup looked like it was put together quickly, Argentina was always in charge against a poor Peru team that only had one shot on goal in a one-sided game.

Shortly after halftime, Martinez scored his first goal. The Inter Milan forward was set free by a beautiful through ball from Angel Di Maria. He carefully lifted a fine finish over the moving Peru custodian Pedro Gallese.

After Jesus Castillo handled the ball in the area and gave up a penalty in the 72nd minute, Argentina had a chance to make it 2-0.

However, Leandro Paredes blocked the subsequent penalty kick, leaving the score 1-0.

In the 86th minute, Martinez scored his second goal by running onto a long pass forward and finishing past Gallese.

Video replays showed that Martinez seemed to push defender Aldo Corzo in the buildup, but referee Cesar Ramos ignored Peru's protest, and the goal stood.

Ecuador or Mexico, the runner-up from Group B, will play Argentina in the quarterfinals next Thursday in Houston.

In the other Group A game, Canada tied Copa America champions Chile 0-0 in Orlando on Saturday. It was enough to send Canada to the last eight.

Chile had to win to get ahead of Canada in the tournament, but they were given a challenging task when Gabriel Suazo was sent off for a second yellow card after only 27 minutes.

In the quarterfinals, Canada will play the winner from Group B.