Holders Argentina shut on World Cup place as Lautaro Martinez joins Diego Maradona as nation’s fifth main scorer.
A second-half strike from Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina a 1-0 house win over Peru in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday night time, with the striker’s purpose transferring him stage with Diego Maradona because the nation’s fifth all-time scorer.
The 27-year-old Inter Milan ahead notched his thirty second worldwide purpose 10 minutes after the break, capitalising on a high quality cross from Lionel Messi to fireside house a half-volley into the top-right nook.
“I’m glad as a result of my entire household got here and I all the time wish to give my greatest. This yr was very constructive and by chance we closed it with a victory,” Martinez advised native TV.
“It was a spectacular yr by way of efficiency, targets, video games performed. We now have to maintain enjoying and enhancing day-to-day. Everybody needs to beat us. Argentina’s nationwide staff are all the time the primary characters. There are issues to enhance however we’ve to proceed on this path.”
Till Martínez scored, Argentina’s greatest likelihood was within the twenty first minute, when striker Julian Alvarez hit the Peruvian goalkeeper’s proper publish. Messi as soon as once more had a modest efficiency, as he did in his staff’s 2-1 defeat in Paraguay on Thursday.
The World Cup holders lead the CONMEBOL standings with 25 factors, 5 away from Uruguay. Peru are backside of the 10-team desk with seven factors after 12 video games. The highest six qualify robotically for the World Cup in america, Mexico and Canada.
“We’re Copa America champions, we’re first within the qualifiers. We now have to be proud,” Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez added.
Inter Miami ahead, Messi, stays the nation’s document purpose scorer netting 112 occasions. Former striker Gabriel Batistuta, who loved a protracted profession with Fiorentina in Italy, is second on the checklist with 55 targets.
Argentina’s rivals Brazil face fan backlash as stutter continues
Brazil followers at house in Salvador jeered their staff after the ultimate whistle following their 1-1 draw towards Uruguay.
In a match with few alternatives for both facet, Uruguay appeared nearer to successful for many of the second half with Federico Valverde opening the scoring within the fifty fifth minute after Brazilian defenders failed thrice to clear the ball from their penalty space. The Actual Madrid midfielder hit the ball to the left nook to attain.
Gerson equalized within the 61st minute in comparable vogue on the Enviornment Fonte Nova.
Brazil, who stay with out the providers of their injured ahead Neymar, lag in fifth place with 18 factors after a number of uninspiring performances. Striker Raphinha mentioned he understood the frustration of his staff’s followers however disagreed with their response on the finish.
“We performed nice. We did all the things we may to go away right here with a victory. We should have our heads excessive up, will probably be very robust to beat us,” he mentioned.
Additionally on Tuesday, Ecuador received 1-0 at Colombia with a purpose by Enner Valencia within the seventh minute, by which he dribbled via three gamers earlier than scoring. Ecuador misplaced defender Piero Hincapie to a pink card within the thirty fourth minute however held on for the win.
Bolivia and Paraguay drew 2-2 in a match between groups that might find yourself combating for the seventh place within the area’s qualifying. Chile, one of many worst-performing groups within the area this yr, confirmed some combating spirit and beat Venezuela 4-2.