Lautaro Martinez was described as ‘an animal’ by Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni last night following their 1-1 draw against Paraguay in the Copa America.

Lautaro won the penalty that Lionel Messi scored to level the match, but the 21-year-old was taken off to his frustration after 67 minutes.

Scaloni confirmed he would have preferred to leave the Inter striker on the pitch but felt he was no longer fit to continue.

“I’ve already spoken to him in the dressing room,” Scaloni told reporters, responding to questions about Lautaro’s anger on the bench after being substitued.

“He stayed on because physically speaking he’s an animal, but he’d taken a knock to his lower back and it was a problem.”

Lautaro was left on the bench for the Albiceleste’s opener against Colombia on Saturday but replaced Sergio Aguero in the starting XI yesterday.

Argentina must now beat Qatar on their final Group B fixture to ensure they reach the quarter-finals.