Argentina returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Peru in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires. Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute, showcasing a stunning mid-air strike from a perfectly timed Lionel Messi assist.
Messi, as always, drew defenders like a magnet near the box. Trapped by three Peruvian players, he chipped the ball delicately into the path of Martínez, who leapt and struck the ball into the net. Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese dived but couldn’t stop it. The goal was Argentina’s 1,999th in national team history and tied Martínez with Diego Maradona as the fifth-highest scorer for Argentina, both with 32 goals.
Argentina dominated possession and created several chances but struggled with finishing. Nicolás Tagliafico, Julián Álvarez, and Messi all came close in the first half, but their shots missed or were saved. Peru failed to register a single shot on target throughout the game.
With this victory, Argentina ends the year leading the South American qualifiers with 25 points from 12 matches. Lionel Scaloni’s men continue their journey to secure a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup.
