Argentina had already qualified for the quarter-finals before the match in Miami with wins over Canada and Chile, the other teams in the group.

That security allowed the defending champion to rest key players, including captain Lionel Messi who is suffereing with a groin problem, but despite making nine changes to its starting line-up, Argentina was largely untroubled by its opponent.

Martinez finished off a flowing move in the 47th minute, coolly chipping the ball over Peru keeper Pedro Gallese, and repeated the trick in the 86th minute, chipping Gallese again for his second goal after some sloppy defending by Peru.

Argentina had a gilt-edged chance to extend its lead when it was awarded a penalty for handball in the 72nd minute, but Leandro Paredes smashed his spot-kick against a post.

Argentina will be joined in the knockout rounds by group runner-up Canada, which qualified for the last eight after holding Chile to a 0-0 draw in the other Group A match.