Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez believes he has overcome his World Cup frustrations by finding the back of the net at the Copa America, Soccernet.football reports.
Martinez scored twice in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Peru in their final Group A match on Saturday, moving his tally in the tournament to four goals and ensuring the reigning champions remain spotless in the competition.
The victory saw La Albiceleste finish as group winners and advance to the quarter-finals where they will now face either Venezuela, Mexico, or Ecuador.
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The Inter forward, who was Serie A’s top scorer in 2023-24, ended the group stage as both the tournament’s leading scorer and the Argentina player with the most shots (nine), despite not starting two of the three games.
Stepping in for a rested Lionel Messi, Martinez excelled and believes he has left behind his struggles from the Qatar World Cup, where he failed to find the back of the net.
“I’m happy, because I was able to score in the three group-stage games and because I was able to help the team, which is what counts,” the 26-year-old told TyC Sports.
“I’m fine, as I said when the match with Chile ended, I had a great season at my club and I felt good.
“I felt ready to get rid of the thorn from the World Cup, that was important for me, to prepare well for the Copa America, which I did and I’m showing it. Let’s keep working.”
Since making his Copa America debut in 2019, Martinez has become the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals (two in 2019, three in 2021, and four in 2024). This total is four more than both Messi and Luis Diaz, who have each scored five goals.
Martinez, who currently leads the Copa America Golden Boot race, also gave a positive update concerning La Albiceleste’s talisman Lionel Messi, saying; “Leo is fine, we hope he can be in the next game. I dedicated the goal to him because I know what Leo means to us.”
