In a pivotal World Cup qualifying match, Argentina secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Peru, edging closer to a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, held in Buenos Aires, saw Lautaro Martinez score the decisive goal with an assist from Lionel Messi, putting Argentina in a commanding position in the South American qualifiers.
The Match
The game was tightly contested, with both teams showing strong defensive capabilities. Argentina’s best chance in the first half came in the 21st minute when striker Julian Alvarez hit the Peruvian goalkeeper’s right post. The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Messi crossed the ball into the penalty area, allowing Martinez to score with a graceful half-volley. This goal marked Martinez’s 32nd for the national team, putting him level with the legendary Diego Maradona.
Reactions
Despite the modest performance, Argentina’s players and fans were elated with the result. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez expressed pride in the team’s achievements, stating, “We won Copa America, we lead South American World Cup qualifying. We must be proud of ourselves.” The victory was crucial for Argentina, especially after their recent 2-1 defeat to Paraguay.
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Impact on Qualifying
With this win, Argentina leads the South American qualifying group with 25 points from 12 matches, five points clear of their closest competitor, Uruguay. The victory puts them in a strong position to secure one of the six direct berths available for the 2026 World Cup. Conversely, Peru remains in the 10th and last position with seven points, making their qualification hopes increasingly slim.
Conclusion
Argentina’s victory over Peru has brought them closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team’s resilience and determination were evident throughout the match, and with key players like Messi and Martinez leading the charge, Argentina looks poised to secure their spot in the tournament. As the qualifiers continue, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Argentina can maintain their momentum and achieve their World Cup dreams.
