Argentina qualified for the group stage of the Copa America by defeating Peru (2-0) last night, in the final round of Group A.

Lautaro Martinez was the best on the pitch, scoring a brace (47 and 88 minutes) and reaching four goals in the competition. The Inter Milan striker's first goal came after a wonderful pass from Angel Di Maria.

The Argentine, whose contract with Benfica expires on Sunday, was a starter and wore the captain's armband, but Lionel Scaloni, who was not on the bench due to suspension, left out several key players, including Lionel Messi. Otamendi, on the other hand, started from the beginning.

In the 72nd minute, Paredes also missed a penalty kick, shooting at the left post, after a handball from Jesús Castillo, from Gil Vicente, inside the area.

If Argentina were indeed confirmed to have qualified for the quarter-finals, first-time entrant Canada would only decide the outcome in the final round. Steven Eustaquio's side, who played 90 minutes, drew 0-0 with Chile in Orlando, Florida.

Gabriel Suazo received two yellow cards within 15 minutes (12m and 27m) and left the Chileans down to 10 units, but Canada could not take advantage of this opportunity.

Overall, Argentina finished on top with nine points (five goals scored and none conceded), while the Canadians, who scored four points, retained second place. After 10 straight quarterfinal matches, Peru fell in the group stage, finishing last. On the other hand, Chile finished third and was also eliminated from the competition, something not seen since 2004.

In the quarter-finals, Argentina will face the second-placed team in Group B, probably Ecuador or Mexico, and Canada will face the first-placed team, which should be Venezuela.