ARGENTINA NOTCH 1-O WIN OVER PERU TO STAY TOP OF CONMEBOL
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - Lautaro Martinez scored a stunning second-half strike to give Argentina a 1-0 win over Peru in their South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday night.
The 27-year-old Inter Milan forward netted his 32nd international goal 10 minutes after the break, capitalizing on a fine cross from Lionel Messi to fire home a half-volley into the top-right corner. The goal moved Martinez level with Diego Maradona as Argentina's fifth all-time scorer, joining an elite club of strikers who have represented the country on the biggest stage.
"I'm happy because my whole family came and I always want to give my best," Martinez told local TV after the match. "This year was very positive and luckily we closed it with a victory."
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez added: "We are Copa America champions, we are first in the qualifiers. We have to be proud." The win keeps Argentina top of the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points, five clear of Uruguay.
Peru, meanwhile, are bottom of the table with seven points after 12 games, leaving them fighting for survival in the quest for World Cup qualification. Messi, who remains Argentina's record goal scorer, had a modest performance, but his team's victory keeps their hopes alive.
Earlier on Tuesday, Brazil faced fan backlash at home after their 1-1 draw against Uruguay. The Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde opened the scoring in the 55th minute for Uruguay, before Brazilian defender Gerson equalized in the 61st minute. Brazil are now lags fifth in the standings with 18 points.
Other results saw Ecuador win 1-0 at Colombia, Bolivia and Paraguay draw 2-2, Chile beat Venezuela 4-2, and Argentina's rivals Peru narrowly missed out on a crucial victory against Peru.
Table Update:
- CONMEBOL Standings:
- Argentina (25 points): tops the table
- Uruguay (20 points): second place
- Brazil (18 points): fifth in the standings
Stay tuned for more updates and news from South America's World Cup qualifiers.