Argentina faced a tense battle against Chile in their second Copa America match, securing a narrow 1-0 victory marred by concerns over Lionel Messi's fitness. The Inter Miami forward, pivotal to Argentina's strategy, received treatment for an injury during the first half at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Despite the setback, Messi came close to scoring with a shot that hit the post in the opening 45 minutes, showcasing his determination amid physical challenges posed by Chile's resilient defense.

Substitute Lautaro Martinez emerged as the match-winner in the 88th minute, alleviating some of the pressure on Argentina as they secured their spot in the tournament's knockout stages. Post-match, Messi expressed relief that his injury, while bothering him during the game, did not force him off the field prematurely. He acknowledged the rigorous physicality of the match against Chile, noting the opposition's tenacity and the demanding nature of Copa America encounters.

Manager Lionel Scaloni faced tactical decisions throughout the match, starting with Julian Alvarez alongside Messi in the forward line. Alvarez, however, struggled to make an impact and was replaced by Martinez, whose late goal proved decisive. Scaloni emphasized the importance of maintaining balance in the team's structure, especially in the face of unexpected disruptions like injuries.

Argentina's victory marked them as the first team to qualify for the knockout stages of the Copa America, underscoring their determination to defend their title. Meanwhile, Chile's path to the quarter-finals hinges on their upcoming match against Canada, who boosted their chances with a 1-0 victory over Peru. The results from Group A are now poised delicately as teams vie for advancement in South America's premier football competition.