Though the world champions weren’t at their best, Peru failed to pose any significant challenge to them.
The usual sharpness in Messi and Álvarez’s attacks seemed missing, and despite dominating possession for most of the match, Argentina struggled to create enough opportunities. However, Lautaro Martínez stepped up with a moment of brilliance to secure a hard-fought win for the Copa América champions.
The World Cup qualifiers match, held in Buenos Aires early Wednesday morning (Bangladesh time), ended 1-0 in favor of the hosts. After a loss in their previous game, Messi and his team returned to winning ways.
Argentina controlled over 70% of possession and managed 10 shots, with only three on target. Peru, on the other hand, remained on the back foot throughout and failed to test Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez even once.
In their previous qualifier encounter, Argentina had beaten Peru 2-0 on their opponent’s home turf, with both goals scored by Lionel Messi. Additionally, during the Copa América group stage last June, Lautaro Martínez’s brace led Lionel Scaloni’s men to another 2-0 win against Peru, a tournament they eventually won.
Coming off a 2-1 loss to Paraguay, Argentina started the game with an aggressive approach. However, their attacks often fizzled out in the final moments, with Messi and Martínez unable to convert chances into goals.
By halftime, despite holding over 75% possession, Argentina had only managed six shots, with just one on target. Meanwhile, Peru failed to mount any meaningful attacks or register a single shot.
The reigning world champions came closest to scoring in the 22nd minute when Julián Álvarez’s shot struck the post. Just before halftime, Messi’s free kick was saved by the Peruvian goalkeeper.
Six minutes into the second half, Lautaro Martínez finally broke the deadlock with a stunning display of skill. Meeting Messi’s cross from the left, the Inter Milan forward leaped into the air and delivered a brilliant volley into the net.
Under pressure throughout, Peru failed to mount a serious attack. Gianluca Lapadula in the 66th minute and Sergio Peña in the 75th attempted long-range shots, but neither came close to troubling the Argentine goal.
With eight wins and one draw from 12 matches, Argentina solidified their top spot in the standings with 25 points.
In contrast, Peru, with only one win from the same number of matches, remains at the bottom of the table with 7 points.
