Chile 0-1 Argentina: summary, score, goals, highlights Copa América
As it happened: Chile - Argentina
Argentina progress to the Copa America quarter-finals
They didn't make it easy for themselves but Argentina have booked their place in the next round of Copa America. Lionel Scaloni's side dominated the ball for much of the game but were frustrated by a resolute Chilean backline.
Lionel Messi and the impressive Nicolas Gonzalez both struck the woodwork for La Albiceleste before Lautaro Martinez, on as a late substitute, fired home from close range to snatch the three points.
Job done for the world champions but there are tougher tests to come.
Peeep peeeeeep peeeeeeeeeeep
And that's the game!
Argentina ease past Chile thanks to a late winner from Lautaro Martinez. It was not a stellar performance from Argentina but they did enough to beat a resolute Chile side and book their place in the quarter-finals.
Argentina miss huge chance!
They could have wrapped it up there!
Argentina mount a rapid counter-attack with Angel Di Maria charging forward. Di Maria squares the ball to Lautaro Martinez in the middle but he can't beat Bravo from close range.
Chile win a free kick 35 yards from goal, a little left of centre. A chance to clip the ball into the Argentina box...
It was a good delivery from Bolados but Argentina manage to get it clear.
Argentina just need to see out the game now and they're sitting back into a more defensive shape. The team is organised into a 4-5-1 now, with only Lionel Messi left wandering around on the halfway line.
There will be five minutes of added time for Chile to find a leveller.
Decision - GOOOOOOAAAAAAL
The goal will stand. Argentina lead!
Lautaro Martinez has two goals in two games at the 2024 Copa America!
The referee is surrounded by Chile players as he awaits word in his ear.
There was a bit of a scramble in the penalty box in the second before Martinez struck the ball home. We can only assume the VAR is checking for a foul in the box...
Hold on...
There does appear to be some kind of a VAR check underway. No idea what for.
GOOOOOAAAAAAL! Lautaro Martinez
The breakthrough! Lionel Messi whips in a dangerous corner and, after a bit of pinball, it falls nicely for Martinez to lash the ball into the top corner!
Argentina are ahead and on the brink of the quarter-finals!
Another strong tackle from Romero gives Argentina to chance to break. They move forward with Messi and Di Maria before winning a corner kick on the right.
Argentina need to start making the most of these opportunities...
Double change in the fullback area for Argentina.
Tagiafico and Molina come off. Acuna and Montiel replace them.
Argentina don't get the penalty but they do win a free kick on the left flank, in a perfect crossing position. Angel Di Maria curls the ball towards Nicolas Tagliafico at the back post but the fullback's header is off-target.
Big shouts for a penalty!
Angel Di Maria goes down in the box, demanding a penalty!
It looks like a good shout but the referee says no. VAR seems to concur, we play on.
Gaps starting to appear in the Chile backline now with Messi ghosting in behind, playing the ball to Martinez in the middle. The Inter Milan man can't convert though!
Strong running from De Paul to bring Argentina up the field, before slipping the ball through to Lautaro Martinez. He tries to fire low past Bravo but it's deflected out for a corner kick, which Di Maria subsequently wastes.
And now another Chile substitution.
Erick Pulgar comes off, Marcelino Nunez replaces him.
Big chance for Chile!
Ricardo Gareca's side are growing in this game and nearly find a breakthrough.
A dangerous cross from the right falls at the foot of Rodrigo Echeverria. He strike firmly from the edge of the box but Martinez saves well again.
A double change for Argentina now.
Nicolas Gonzalez and Julian Alvarez are withdrawn. They are replaced by Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez.
Not a bad pair of substitutes to have at your disposal.
Out of nowhere, a half-chance for Chile!
They work the ball to the edge of the box and Rodrigo Echeverria tries his luck, forcing a good save from Martinez. Argentina need to keep concentrated in the final 20 minutes.
Brilliant piece of skill from Messi to skip past a challenge on the halfway line but he's dispossessed before he can evade the next defender.
That's been the story of his game so far. Flashes on inspiration, but unable to have any real impact due to on apparent lack of physical fitness.
Lionel Messi latches onto a long ball over the top but, under pressure, can't put his volley on target.
The linesman puts his flag up, it wouldn't have counted anyway.
The Liverpool man couldn't quite reach Lionel Messi's pass. / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP
Alexis Mac Allister just inches away from breaking the deadlock
Argentina have hit the woodwork twice but in some ways Alex Mac Allister has been the closest to finding the back of the net. The midfielder was tantalisingly close to getting a toe on a teasing cross from Lionel Messi.
Had he made contact, Mac Allister would surely have scored.
And now a change for Chile. Alexis Sanchez is replaced by Marcos Bolados.
First change of the game for Argentina. Enzo Fernandez comes off, Giovani Lo Celso comes on in his place.
Another spell of good pressure from Argentina wins a corner kick, which Rodrigo De Paul will go across to take.
Gonzalez rattle the crossbar!
Nicolas Gonzalez draws a sharp save from Claudio Bravo with a fierce strike from 15 yards. The veteran stopper palms the shot onto the crossbar and the ball bounces clear of danger.
More good work from Gonzalez. Argentina are getting closer...
Alexis Sanchez mounts a rare foray forward for Chile, making good ground down the right flank, before slicing his attempted cross out of play.
He's a bit erratic, but Cristian Romero has been brilliant for Argentina so far.
His front-foot defending has helped Argentina pin Chile back, preventing them from finding the feet of Vargas or Sanchez on the halfway line.
Lionel Messi clips in a free kick that floats towards Alexis Mac Allister, who is rushing into the Chile six-yard box. The Liverpool man just needs to get a touch on the ball but can't quite reach it, allowing it to bounce safely through to Claudio Bravo.
Rodrigo Echeverria
The Chile midfielder is booked for a late tackle on Rodrigo De Paul.
Alexis Sanchez curls in the cross but Martinez is out well to claim the ball and get Argentina moving forward once more.
Tagliafico is penalised for a combative foul on Vargas. Free kick to Chile, 35 yards from goal on the left.
Two back-to-back corners now for Argentina, who are starting to build up a head of steam at the start of the half.
The kick is played short to Rodrigo De Paul, who overruns the ball as he darts into the box.
Goal kick to Chile.
Huge chance for Molina!
Argentina managed a rare break on Chile with Lionel Messi leading his team forward. The captain slipped the ball through to the overlapping Nahuel Molina on the right of the box but his shot is well-saved by Claudio Bravo.
Best chance of the game so far.
That didn't last long. Argentina are back on the ball and looking to play through Messi, who has dropped into midfield temporarily.
Clever interplay from De Paul and Messi but Mac Allister is robbed of the ball on the halfway line.
Chile enjoy their first spell of possession of the second half...
Powerful run from the impressive Nicolas Gonzalez takes him into the Chile box but he's muscled out by recovering defenders.
Gonzalez has stayed down after that clash, but should be fine to continue.
And we're back!
Chile get the second half underway...
Did Lionel Messi pick up an injury?
There was a moment of concern midway through the first half when Lionel Messi was clipped in a challenge by Gabriel Sauzo, forcing the Argentina captain from the field to receive treatment. However after a brief absence Messi trotted back onto the field and resumed play.
Wondering why Angel Di Maria isn't playing for Argentina against Chile? Here's what we know so far about the midfielder's absence...
Chile make life difficult for Argentina
Chile have put in an assured, if slightly unambitious, performance in the first half in New Jersey. They've sat back and tried to be compact, making it hard for Argentina to make any real progress into the attacking third.
Lionel Messi has shown some flashes, most notably a long-range strike that kissed the post, but has been fairly anonymous during in open play. The Argentina captain doesn't look fully fit on this showing. Will Lionel Scaloni be looking to rest Messi in the second half?
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeeeeep
That's all from the first half at MetLife Stadium, where Chile and Argentina are currently tied at 0-0. Argentina fashioned the better chances and came closest to scoring, but Chile has stood strong.
Chile should be able to see out the remaining seconds of the first half now...
Sharp interplay from Argentina on the edge of the box makes some space for a shot.
Unfortunately, it falls to Rodrigo De Paul. Unfortunately, the result is the same as the last time.
Goal kick to Chile.
Argentina work the ball to Julian Alvarez on the edge of the box but the No. 9 fires over the crossbar from 20 yards. Free kick to Chile.
We'll have three minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
Chile have been watching him closely. / Agustin Marcarian / REUTERS
Lionel Messi comes closest for Argentina
He's been given precious little space in the first half but Lionel Messi has still come the closest to breaking the deadlock. The Argentina captain struck the post with a firmly-struck shot for 30 yards, beating former teammate Claudio Bravo.
Messi's free kick is underhit and Bravo manages to claim the loose ball. A wasted chance there, for Argentina.
Vargas clips Tagliafico on the flank, giving Argentina to deliver from the left.
It'll be Lionel Messi to take, five teammates to aim for in the middle...
Really good stuff from Nicolas Gonzalez to pinch the ball and play some neat passes into the feet of Messi and Alvarez.
He's been good value for his selection so ffar.
Rodrigo De Paul curls in a corner kick but Mac Allister's header is well off-target.
Pulgar holds his breath
More good work from Messi brings the ball through midfield and finds Molina on the right flank. He whips in a low cross that Erick Pulgar nearly turns into his own goal!
The ball bounces just wide, Chile survive.
Messi hits the post!
Out of nowhere, nearly the opener!
Nothing seemed to be on when Lionel Messi picked up the ball 30 yards from goal but his long-range drive skipped across the turf and clipped the bottom of Claudio Bravo's post.
The Chilean goalkeeper was nowhere near that one. First moment of real quality from Messi.
Argentina are still to build a bit of pressure now, knocking the ball around confidently in the Chile half. Messi and Alvarez are now operating like a traditional striking duo, occupying the two central defenders.
Half an hour in, it's been a little bit disjointed from Argentina, who have struggled to break this Chile backline down.
Opening for Gonzalez
Bizarre opportunity for Argentina as Nicolas Gonzalez sprints in behind the Chile backline and in on goal. He reaches the ball on the edge of the box and decides, seemingly bamboozled by the bounce of the ball, to try and head the ball past Bravo from there.
Needlessly to say, he is not successful.
Chile restart the game and Souzo trots back onto the field. It looks like he'll be ok to continue.
Gabriel Souzo
Bit of concern for Chile as their fullback stays down to receive treatment. It looked like he may have got a knock in a challenge with De Paul.
He looks to be in some pain, but hobbles to his feet nonetheless.
Brilliant work from Romero to pinch the ball and charge through the Chile midfield, bringing it right up to the edge of the box. He tries to poke the ball through to Alvarez in the box but he's crowded out.
Flowing move from Argentina find Rodrigo De Paul in space on the edge of the box, with a sight at goal.
He's not the man you want in these situations, however, and his effort flies over the crossbar.
Lionel Messi is clipped by Gabriel Souzo with a late challenge near the touchline. It'll be a free kick to Argentina, once Messi has received some treatment very high up on his thigh.
Big chance for Alvarez
At least, Argentina find some space on the flanks with Nico Gonzalez flying down the left. He gets to the touchline and pulls the ball back to the penalty spot but Julian Alvarez' shot is weak.
A chance wasted, for the Man City man.
Lionel Messi is starting to drop very deep, looking to pick the pick up off the defenders at times. Its a part of his game, of course, but it shows the problems that Chile's defensive shape are causing.
Argentina are looking to up the tempo a little now, trying to find Alvarez to combine to combine with Messi in the final third.
Chile are standing strong so far, sitting deep and denying the world champions the space they need to play around the penalty box.
Alexis Sanchez tries an ambitious long ball forward to Vargas but gets it all wrong. Argentina won't mind that.
This was billed as a sell-out and it certainly is, there's barely a single spare seat wherever you look around the MetLife Stadium.
Even better, the vast majority appear to have a real allegiance to either Chile or Argentina and the atmosphere is lively as a result. We could be in for a real thriller this evening.
Neat footwork from Messi on the edge of the box to slalom through the challenges before eventually being dispossessed. The Argentina captain wants a free kick, the referee thinks otherwise.
Chile are playing fairly defensively in open play but will look to spring forward when the chance arises. Alexis Sanchez appears to be playing a little deeper than Vargas.
Argentina are starting with De Paul and Mac Allister as a two in midfield, with Enzo Fernandez given more freedom to push forward.
Yep, Victor Davila is back on his feet and Chile will restart the game with possession on the halfway line.
Victor Davila takes a whack
The Chilean forward is down after colliding with an Argentinian defender while competing for that cross.
He's receiving a bit of on-field treatment but should be fine to continue.
Chile break down the right flank and Dario Osorio whips in a teasing cross but Victor Davila can't connect in the middle.
Messi picks up the ball in front of the Chile defence but he's quickly pounced upon by three recovering midfielders and loses the ball.
Clever interplay from Alvarez and Messi allows Argentina to play through the Chile midfield but Enzo Fernandez is eventually crowded out.
Composed start from Argentina, who knock the ball around coolly in the opening stages.
And we're off!
Argentina get this Copa America group stage clash underway...
Argentina to take kickoff
Lionel Messi crouches on the halfway line, tying his shoelace as we await kickoff here.
Kick-off approaches for Chile-Argentina
We're onto the national anthems now with a stirring rendition for each nation, belted out by the legions of partisan support in MetLife Stadium this evening.
The scene is set, we're nearly ready for the off...
The teams are out!
Chile and Argentina take to the field in New Jersey for this Copa America group stage clash. It was confirmed earlier today that tonight's game is a sell-out and there's a terrific atmosphere for this one, with a sea of Chile and Argentina jerseys in attendance.
Scene is set for the world champions
The Argentina players are out on the field at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, warming up for their second group stage clash. A win tonight would book their place in the quarter-finals and give head coach Lionel Scaloni the chance to rest his seasoned veterans in the final group stage fixture.
Senior stars remain for Chile. / MEXSPORT/PHOTOSPORT / MEXSPORT/PHOTOSPORT
Chile look to move on from 'Golden Generation'
Chile have been forced to undergo a painful split from their much-heralded ‘Golden Generation’ that won the 2015 and 2016 editions of Copa America, beating Argentina in both finals. Head coach Ricardo Gareca opted not to take Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel or Charles Aranguiz to this summer’s tournament but has not entirely lost faith in the old guard.
Between them, Claudio Bravo, Mauricio Isla, Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas have more than 500 international caps and they were all involved in Chile’s 2015 and 2016 triumphs.
And here's the Chile lineup to face Argentina
There's more than a few familiar names in this Chile team with four members of the legendary team that beat Argentina in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals. Claudio Bravo, now 41 years old wears the armband, while Marucio Isla, Aduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez all start.
Wondering why Angel Di Maria has dropped to the bench for Argentina? Here's what we know so far...
Confirmed Argentina team news
Here it is! As suspected, Angel Di Maria drops out for Argentina, replaced by Fiorentina winger Nicolas Gonzalez.
How will Argentina line up?
We haven't yet had confirmed starting XIs from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, but reports suggest that Argentina will make changes. Here's how they are expected to line up...
Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, González; Messi, Álvarez
Canada bounce back from Argentina loss
Elsewhere in Group A, Peru have fallen to a 1-0 defeat against Canada in Kansas City. The Canadians had put in an impressive performance against Argentina in their Copa America opener but fell to goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez last week.
A single goal from Jonathan David was enough to win the game for Canada today and kick-start their tournament journey.
While we wait for the confirmed team news, let's take a look back at the history of this illustrious CONMEBOL fixture. Argentina may be the more celebrated of the teams, but Chile have a pretty impressive recent history...
Argentina making noise ahead of Chile clash
The famous Argentinian support is in good voice as the team look to book their place in the quarter-finals of Copa America.
Team news from New Jersey is expected shortly...
Elsewhere in Group A, Canada currently lead Peru in a game overshadowed by a serious medical issue in the first half. Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau rushed to assist an official who had collapsed on the field.
Medical staff were soon on hand to help and the assistant referee was subsequently stretchered from the field.
Is this the Argentina team to face Chile?
Reports suggest that Angel Di Maria will not start for Argentina this evening.
The experienced forward has dropped to the bench for the second game of Argentina’s Copa America journey, allowing Lionel Scaloni to save Di Maria’s aging legs. He was a nuisance during Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Canada but was let down by some erratic finishing, most notably squandering an early one-on-one.
Di Maria remains a key part of this Argentina side but there is an acceptance that his place in the starting XI is no longer the certainty that it once was.
Argentina fans make themselves heard in NYC
When you're the world champions, you want to let everyone know about it!
The Argentinian support is one of the most vociferous in world soccer and the famous blue and white stripes took over New York's Times Square ahead of their Copa America clash with Chile.
The Inter Milan forward is Chile's all-time record scorer and appearance-maker. / MEXSPORT/PHOTOSPORT / MEXSPORT/PHOTOSPORT
ALexis Sanchez set to start for Chile
Former Barcelona and Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez is expected to lead the line up front. The Inter Milan forward is a more stationary presence than he once was but he remains a potent attacking threat, one that can conjure something from nothing in the penalty box.
The 35-year-old has now racked up 164 international appearances and is the nation’s all-time record scorer, with 51 goals for Chile.
Argentina were not at their sparkling best in the opening fixture against Canada but Lionel Scaloni's side managed to secure the crucial three points. With that win under their belts, Argentina know that they can book their place in the quarter-finals this evening.
We take a look at what La Albiceleste need to progress...
What time is the Chile - Argentina game?
Wondering when the real action begins? There's just under 90 minutes until the start of Chile - Argentina in this Copa America group stage clash.
We'll have full build-up for you right here on AS USA, with team news expected to come shortly...
Argentina's Copa America opener got underway with minimal officiating controversy but long-time rivals Brazil were not so lucky. Here's what we know about the man in the middle for tonight's game, Andres Matonte...
It's a sell-out!
Chile will take on Argentina at MetLife Stadium in front of a capacity crowd this evening! Attendance for group stage games have sometimes left a little to be desired but this rematch of the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals has drawn the crowds.
First up, let's take a look at the team news for Argentina ahead of today's game. The world champions got their tournament off to a winning start against Canada but they were not entirely convincing in front of goal.
Here's how we think they could line up this evening...
The second round of Copa America group stages fixtures gets underway this evening with the two strongest teams in Group A going head-to-head.
World champions Argentina got off to a winning start against Canada last week but failed to convince in the final third, labouring to a 2-0 win against the CONCACAF side.
In their second match of the tournament they take on a Chile side who have an impressive record in this fixture. In both the 2015 and the 2016 edition of Copa America Chile beat Argentina in the final, two penalty shootout wins after goalless draws. Now, however, Argentina come into the game as holders of the Copa America and the World Cup.
I'm Will Gittins, US soccer journalist for AS USA, and I'll be bringing you full live coverage of Chile - Argentina...