Argentina defeated Peru 1-0 in the World Cup Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada on Tuesday.

However, the result might not be surprising; the highlight of the game was an interplay between Lautaro Martine and Lionel Messi when the latter provided a crucial cross into the penalty box in the 55th minute to the former who leaped in the air and smashed left-footed volley past Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Martínez’s goal was his 32nd for the national team, which puts him level with the legendary Diego Maradona.

Until Martínez scored, Argentina’s best chance was in the 21st minute, when striker Julián Alvarez hit the Peruvian goalkeeper’s right post. Messi once again had a modest performance, as he did in his team’s 2-1 defeat at Paraguay on Thursday.

LIONEL MESSI WITH AN INSANE ASSIST, LAUTARO WITH AN INSANE GOAL

pic.twitter.com/8CrgijjXYH

— MC (@CrewsMat10) November 20, 2024

Despite the win at home, Lionel Messi’s team will finish the year with few question marks beyond its performances in November.

“We won Copa America, we lead South American World Cup qualifying,” said goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. “We must be proud of ourselves.”

Argentina leads South American qualifying with 25 points from 12 matches, five points clear of its closest competitor, Uruguay. Ecuador and Colombia are next with 19 points each.

Brazil lags in fifth position with 18 points after several uninspiring performances, still hoping that striker Neymar will return from injury and fit in again. Paraguay, with 17 points, is in sixth place.

South American qualifying will give six direct berths in the next World Cup. Seventh-place Bolivia, with 13 points, is in the international playoff position. Venezuela (12), Chile (9), and Peru (7) are out of qualifying spots.

The next round of South American World Cup qualifying will be played in March.

(With agency inputs)