Argentina’s prolific striker, Lautaro Martinez, delivered a decisive moment in the second half to ensure a 1-0 victory over Peru in a crucial South American qualifier for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.
Martinez Equals Maradona’s Goal Record
The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Lionel Messi, ever the maestro, delivered a pinpoint cross to Martinez.
The Inter Milan forward capitalized on the opportunity with a stunning half-volley, sending the ball soaring into the top-right corner of the net.
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This marked Martinez’s 32nd international goal, placing him level with the legendary Diego Maradona in Argentina’s all-time scoring charts.
“I’m happy because my whole family came, and I always want to give my best,” Martinez shared in a post-match interview.
“This year has been very positive, and luckily, we closed it with a victory.
It was a spectacular year in terms of performance, goals, and games played. We have to keep improving day by day.”
Argentina’s Unstoppable Momentum
The victory solidified Argentina’s position at the top of the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points, extending their lead to five points ahead of Uruguay.
Meanwhile, Peru languishes at the bottom of the table with just seven points from 12 matches.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez reveals the team’s accomplishments, stating,
“We are Copa America champions, we are first in the qualifiers. We have to be proud.”
Argentina’s Road to the 2026 World Cup
With the top six teams from the CONMEBOL qualifiers earning automatic spots for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Argentina is well on track to defend their title.
Their consistent performance under Lionel Scaloni’s leadership and the seamless blend of experienced players like Messi and rising stars such as Martinez make them formidable contenders on the global stage.
The Pressure of Being Champions
Martinez emphasized the challenges that come with being world champions:
“Everyone wants to beat us. Argentina’s national team are always the main characters. There are things to improve, but we have to continue on this path.”
As Argentina enjoys good form run in the qualifiers, their focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and refining their strategies for upcoming matches. With Lautaro Martinez at his peak and Lionel Messi orchestrating play, Argentina remains a team to watch as the world gears up for the 2026 World Cup.
