da wazamba： The striker now has four goals in three games, having started just once during his country's perfect group stage run.

da apostaganha： Who needs Lionel Messi when you have Lautaro Martinez? We're kidding, obviously, but based on what we've seen so far in this Copa America, it may just be the Inter man that will be remembered as Argentina's most important attacker this summer.

With Messi being rested, it was Martinez who stepped up once again in Argentina's third and final group stage game, leading the way in a 2-0 win over Peru. With the win, Argentina made it a perfect nine points from nine in this initial phase, joining second-place Canada in the knockout phase without so much of a slip-up.

Martinez is the player most responsible for that, and he was at his best once again on Saturday night. The striker scored both, taking his total to four in three games as he furthered his case for the Golden Boot.

His first came just two minutes after halftime, as he ran onto a fantastic assist from Angel Di Maria. Then, with just a few minutes remaining, Martinez closed out the game, scoring in the 86th minute to ensure that there would be no real late drama in Miami on Thursday night.

It wasn't always pretty, but it was effective from Argentina, who are riding Martinez's hot streak straight into the knockouts. Messi will be back for those, for sure, but, from what we've seen so far, Martinez is ready to be this team's dangerman as the stakes are raised going forward.

GOAL rates Argentina's players from Hard Rock Stadium..

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense

Emiliano Martinez (6/10):

Hardly had to do anything as he made just one save on the day.

Nicolas Tagliafico(7/10):

So close to getting a goal early in the second half, but it was ruled out. Outside of that, though, he was fantastic on the ball as he made so much happen on that left-hand side.

Nicolas Otamendi (6/10):

Did what he needed to do. Peru didn't threaten much but, when they did, Otamendi swatted things away.

German Pezzella (6/10):

Not quite as impressive as Otamendi, but still very solid. Had one chance, too, that he pushed wide.

Gonzalo Montiel (7/10):

Got forward nearly as much as Tagliafico did and had his moments, too. His cross led to Argentina's 70th-minute penalty, highlighting a good performance from the Sevilla man.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Giovani Lo Celso (7/10):

A good shift from the midfielder, who did have one good chance stopped by Pedro Gallese in goal. Passed the ball well and did some good work defensively.

Leandro Paredes (6/10):

Forced an incredible save on a first-half free-kick and then destroyed the post from the penalty spot in the second half. Unfortunate for him because, overall, he was pretty good.

Exequiel Palacios (7/10):

A defensive monster. Any time Peru tried to go through the midfield, it felt like Palacios was there to ensure they couldn't.

Getty ImagesAttack

Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):

Tried really, really hard to make something happen, but it never really came off. At times, he dribbled himself into trouble as the teenager seemed just a bit too eager to prove himself.

Lautaro Martinez (8/10):

This is the Inter Lautaro that Argentinian fans have been dying to see. Three goals in as many games for the striker, who is playing with so much confidence in the attack.

Angel Di Maria (8/10):

Without Messi, Di Maria took over the role of veteran creator. His assist on Martinez's goal was fantastic, offering just another example of how important he still is to this team.

GettySubs & Manager

Enzo Fernadnez (6/10):

Came on in place of Lo Celso and was effective, but not nearly as effective as the man he replaced.

Nico Gonzalez (5/10):

Hardly got on the ball after coming on for Garnacho.

Guido Rodriguez (7/10):

A pretty tidy performance as the Real Betis man didn't misplace a pass.

Valentin Carboni (N/A):

A nice cameo from the rising star, even if he didn't really get to do much.

Lucas Martinez Quarta (N/A):

Replaced Pezzella to help Argentina close out the game.

Lionel Scaloni/Walter Samuel (7/10):

Wasn't pretty, but any win that allows you to rest so many key players is a good one. With Scaloni suspended, Samuel was in charge of the subs, and he did well enough with them to help Argentian see out a decent win.