Argentina played their third and final group game against Peru on Saturday, with Lautaro Martinez scoring both goals in the 2-0 win. Palacios played the full 90 minutes in his first appearances at the tournament.
The World Cup holders finish top of Group A with a perfect haul of nine points. Canada are also through in second place, with Chile and Peru eliminated.
Things were much tighter in Group B as Ecuador faced Mexico on Sunday with both teams in with a chance of progressing. Mexico needed a win, but a draw was enough for Hincapie’s side. It ultimately ended goalless in Glendale, meaning the Werkself defender’s team go through with four points, behind group winners Venezuela. Mexico also finished with four points but go out on goal difference. Jamaica finished bottom.
Leverkusen teammates Palacios and Hincapie will now face off on opposing sides in the quarter-final as Argentina play Ecuador in Houston on 4 July.
WERKSELF PLAYER RESULTS AT 2024 COPA AMÉRICA
Exequiel Palacios (Argentina/Group A)
20 June: Argentina 2-0 Canada
25 June: Chile 0-1 Argentina
29 June: Argentina 2-0 Peru
Piero Hincapie (Ecuador/Group B)
22 June: Ecuador 1-2 Venezuela
26 June: Ecuador 3-1 Jamaica
30 June: Mexico 0-0 Ecuador
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