Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez feels he has put his World Cup struggles firmly behind him by getting amongst the targets on the Copa America.
Martinez scored twice as Argentina noticed off Peru 2-0 of their remaining Group A sport on Saturday.
That victory ensured the holders progressed to the quarter-finals as group winners, as anticipated, and they’re going to now face both Venezuela, Mexico or Ecuador.
Inter ahead Martinez, who was the main scorer in Serie A in 2023-24, completed the group stage as not solely the match’s main scorer, but in addition the Argentina participant with probably the most photographs (9), regardless of not beginning two out of the three video games.
But standing in for Lionel Messi, who was rested, Martinez thrived, and he believes he has solid apart his woes from the Qatar World Cup, the place he didn’t get on the scoresheet.
“I’m completely happy, as a result of I used to be capable of rating within the three group-stage video games and since I used to be capable of assist the group, which is what counts,” the 26-year-old advised TyC Sports activities.
“I’m high quality, as I mentioned when the match with Chile ended, I had an amazing season at my membership and I felt good.
“I felt able to eliminate the thorn from the World Cup, that was essential for me, to organize effectively for the Copa America, which I did and I’m exhibiting it. Let’s hold working.”
Remaining standings in Group A pic.twitter.com/D3xSO52S4j
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ ENG (@copaamerica_ENG) June 30, 2024
Martinez is 2 targets forward of every other participant within the Copa America Golden Boot race because it stands.
Actually, since his debut within the Copa America in 2019, Martinez is the match’s high scorer with 9 targets (two in 2019, three in 2021, 4 in 2024), 4 greater than Messi and Luis Diaz (5 every).
In the meantime, Argentina assistant Walter Samuel, who was filling in for the suspended Lionel Scaloni, recommended that Messi is on track to be match for the quarter-finals.
“He was within the locker room, we seen [he was] higher,” mentioned Samuel.
“The scenario is enhancing however it’s just a few days and the scenario is untimely to speak about. We’ll discuss it on a day-to-day foundation with him, and speak to the medical doctors.”
Martinez was extra optimistic, saying: “Leo is okay, we hope he will be within the subsequent sport. I devoted the aim to him as a result of I do know what Leo means to us.”
Angel Di Maria added: “Leo is okay, he’s recovering, we hope he shall be prepared for the subsequent sport. As we speak’s victory is for him.”
Argentina have gained their first three matches of a Copa America on 18 events. Nonetheless, that is solely the third time they’ve accomplished so of their final 12 participations (together with 2007 and 2016).