A second-half goal from Lautaro Martinez secured a 1-0 victory for Argentina over Peru in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. The striker's 32nd international goal tied him with Diego Maradona as Argentina's fifth all-time top scorer. Martinez's goal, a half-volley into the top-right corner, came 10 minutes after the break, following a fine cross from Lionel Messi.
"I'm happy because my whole family came and I always want to give my best. This year was very positive and luckily we closed it with a victory," Martinez told local TV. "It was a spectacular year in terms of performance, goals, games played. We have to keep playing and improving day by day."
Argentina leads the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points, five clear of Uruguay. Peru remains at the bottom of the 10-team table with seven points after 12 games. The top six teams will automatically qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Meanwhile, Brazil drew 1-1 with Uruguay in their South American qualifier. Gerson's brilliant strike canceled out Federico Valverde's opener for the visitors. Brazil is fifth in the CONMEBOL standings with 18 points, one point behind Colombia and Ecuador.
In other matches, Ecuador upset Colombia 1-0 with a solo effort from Enner Valencia, Paraguay earned a 2-2 draw at Bolivia, and Chile thrashed Venezuela 4-2.
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