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 residence win over Peru in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday night time, with the striker’s aim 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 aim 10 minutes after the break, capitalising on a high quality cross from Lionel Messi to fireplace residence a half-volley into the top-right nook.
“I’m completely happy as a result of my entire household got here and I at all times need to give my finest. This yr was very constructive and fortuitously we closed it with a victory,” Martinez informed native TV.
“It was a spectacular yr by way of efficiency, objectives, video games performed. Now we have to maintain enjoying and bettering daily. Everybody desires to beat us. Argentina’s nationwide staff are at all times the principle characters. There are issues to enhance however now we have to proceed on this path.”
Till Martínez scored, Argentina’s finest probability was within the twenty first minute, when striker Julian Alvarez hit the Peruvian goalkeeper’s proper submit. 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 mechanically for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
“We’re Copa America champions, we’re first within the qualifiers. Now we have to be proud,” Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez added.
Inter Miami ahead, Messi, stays the nation’s report aim scorer netting 112 occasions. Former striker Gabriel Batistuta, who loved an extended profession with Fiorentina in Italy, is second on the listing with 55 objectives.
Argentina’s rivals Brazil face fan backlash as stutter continues
Brazil followers at residence in Salvador jeered their staff after the ultimate whistle following their 1-1 draw in opposition to Uruguay.
In a match with few alternatives for both facet, Uruguay appeared nearer to profitable for many of the second half with Federico Valverde opening the scoring within the fifty fifth minute after Brazilian defenders failed 3 times 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 style on the Area Fonte Nova.
Brazil, who stay with out the companies of their injured ahead Neymar, lag in fifth place with 18 factors after a number of uninspiring performances. Striker Raphinha stated he understood the frustration of his staff’s followers however disagreed with their response on the finish.
“We performed nice. We did the whole lot we may to depart right here with a victory. We will need to have our heads excessive up, will probably be very powerful to beat us,” he stated.
Additionally on Tuesday, Ecuador gained 1-0 at Colombia with a aim by Enner Valencia within the seventh minute, during which he dribbled by means of three gamers earlier than scoring. Ecuador misplaced defender Piero Hincapie to a purple card within the thirty fourth minute however held on for the win.
Bolivia and Paraguay drew 2-2 in a match between groups that would 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.
