It was a close one for the Lionel Messi-led World Cup champions and defending Copa America champions Argentina, as it survived rival Chile in a nailbiter of a 2022 Copa America final rematch from the previous tournament, escaping with a 1-0 win.

For the vast majority of the match, it was a scoreless tie as both squads failed to score a goal. However, in the 88th minute of the game, Lautaro Martinez hit one to secure the world champions the victory.

This happened as a corner kick from Leo Messi was deflected, with Martinez being at the right place at the right time. Chile then tried to go on a comeback and tie it up but it was too late, as the officials made the final whistle and handed Argentina the 1-0 victory.

The goal score was a bit controversial as officials paused the match for a while to check the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). After a 2-minute break, the goal was confirmed, and Argentina went on to win.

With this victory, the world champs are now up 2-0 to lead Group A. They defeated Canada which is now up 1-1 after defeating Peru earlier in the day. This meant that Chile was now in danger of being eliminated as its earlier match with Peru was a scoreless draw.

Chile's Rodrigo Echeverría showed plenty of heroics in the match but missed twice, both being saved by Argentina goalkeeper Dibu Martinez. As for Messi, the man regarded as the "GOAT" of soccer, he had several misses himself in the match.

The game was held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and it was played before a sold-out crowd of around 81,106 fans, with the high-profile final rematch coming in with a lot of hype.

Chile in Must-Win Vs. Canada To Advance in Copa America

With a 2-0 record in Group A, Argentina is more than likely to advance into the next round. However, Chile is now in danger of elimination after its loss to the world champions as it currently has 1 loss, 1 draw, and no wins. Its next opponent, Canada, would be a tough challenge.

READ MORE: Argentina Court Postpones Criminal Trial Into the Death of Soccer Legend Diego Maradona

Despite losing its opener to Argentina with a score of 2-0, Canada is now looking strong as it faces last tournament's Copa America finalist after beating Peru. This was also Canada's first-ever win in the Copa America.

As for Argentina, the world champs are expected to go through the short-handed Peru, which will be missing Miguel Araujo after he was given a red card during its match against the Canadians.

Heavy Favorites Brazil Struggling Early in Copa America

Meanwhile, as Argentina is now at a commanding 2-0 lead in its group, Brazil is currently struggling, failing to win against Costa Rica over at the SoFi Stadium in California. The match ended in a scoreless draw, with a frustrated-looking Neymar looking from the sidelines.

Brazil dominated the match as it controlled the ball for much of the contest, but they could not convert it into any goal, according to CNN. The Brazilians shot 19 times, none of which found its mark.

Elsewhere, Mexico, the United States, Uruguay, and Colombia each scored their own wins. This also means that for the first time in Copa America, the North American big three have each won a game in the group stage, making it possible that this would not be an all-South American affair as it usually is.

READ MORE: Argentina Coach Cesar Luis Menotti, Who Led Argentina to 1st World Cup Win, Dead at 85

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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