Argentina defeated Peru 1-0 in a South American 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, with Lautaro Martínez scoring the only goal in the second half. The win keeps Argentina at the top of the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points from 12 matches, five points ahead of second-place Uruguay.
Lionel Messi played a key role, providing a brilliant assist for Martínez’s goal. Messi’s cross, delivered after skillfully bypassing Peru’s defense, was met by Martínez’s half-volley into the top corner, marking his 32nd international goal and tying him with Diego Maradona for fifth place on Argentina’s all-time scoring list.
The assist was Messi’s 58th in international football, tying him with Landon Donovan for the most assists in men’s international history. Messi now aims to break the record in upcoming qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil in 2025. Meanwhile, Peru remains last in the standings with only seven points from 12 matches. The top six teams will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
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