By Amanda Langell
Argentina takes on Peru in both teams' final Group A fixture at Copa America 2024, and the reigning champions will be without Lionel Messi as they look to remain perfect in the tournament.
Argentina booked their spot to the Copa America 2024 quarter-finals after an 88th minute goal from Lautaro Martinez secured a 1-0 victory over Chile. La Albiceleste are all-but guaranteed to win Group A, therefore their most important players, like Lionel Messi, will be rested against Peru on June 29.
Peru, on the other hand, must beat Argentina to even be in contention for a Knockout Stage berth. The task might sound slightly more feasible knowing Lionel Scaloni is switching up his starting XI, but Peru has not beaten Argentina in over 27 years.
Here's 90min's guide to Argentina vs Peru at Copa America 2024.
What time does Argentina vs Peru kick off?
- Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
- Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
- Date: Saturday, June 29
- Kick-off time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (June 30)
Argentina vs Peru H2H record (last five games)
- Argentina: 3 wins
- Peru: 0 wins
- Draws: 2
- Last meeting: Peru 0-2 Argentina (Oct. 17, 2023) - World Cup Qualifier
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Argentina vs Peru on TV and live stream
Argentina team news
Lionel Scaloni confirmed he will rest most of Argentina's traditional starting XI against Peru, giving players like Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho their first minutes of the tournament. La Albiceleste are also dealing with minor injuries to Lionel Messi, Marcos Acuna, and Leandro Paredes. The hope is that all three players will be ready for the quarter-finals.
The manager will not be able to coach his team against Peru, though, after being suspended by CONMEBOL due to Argentina's delays in restarting matches.
Argentina predicted lineup vs Peru
Argentina predicted lineup vs Peru (4-3-3): Armani; Montiel, Otamendi, Pezzella, Tagliafico; Carboni, Mac Allister, Palacios; Di Maria, La. Martinez, Garnacho
Peru team news
After only earning one point in their first two matches, Peru must beat Argentina to even have a chance at advancing beyond Group A. Unfortunately for La Blanquirroja, they will be without Miguel Araujo, who is serving his suspension after being sent off against Canada.
Although Argentina will not be at their full strength on Saturday, Peru will still need to put in a herculean effort to come away with three points against the reigning Copa America champions. Jorge Fossati's squad has yet to score a goal in the tournament, and will need at least one to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Peru predicted lineup vs Argentina
Peru predicted lineup vs Argentina (3-5-2): Gallese; Santamaria, Zambrano, Callens; Polo, Pena, Cartagena, Quispe, Lopez; Lapadula, Flores
Argentina vs Peru score prediction
Lionel Messi might be on the bench, but Lautaro Martinez will finally get his chance to start at Copa America 2024, and the striker's current goalscoring form should send Argentina into the quarter-finals with all nine possible points from the Group Stage. Plus, Argentina's fresh, young players will want to impress their manager and give Lionel Scaloni a reason to award them more playing opportunities moving forward.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Peru
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Argentina vs Peru: Preview, predictions and team news.
