With a fantastic goal from Lautaro Martínez, Argentina defeated Peru 1-0, extending their lead at the top of the South American Qualifiers and moving closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The victory also marked the end of another historic year.
The Albiceleste had to prove themselves against the Bicolor, one of the worst teams in the qualifying competition with just one win, following their lackluster performance in Asunción, which included a loss to Paraguay. And based on its hierarchy, it earned the victory even though it didn't shine.
Argentina never gave up possession of the ball, monopolizing it from the first second and establishing obvious dominance from possession, even though the rival, who had a slightly smaller roster and style of play, gave them the chance to do so.
However, Lionel Scaloni's team struggled to get a clear shot in the early going. Pedro Gallese, who was saved by the post in the most dangerous moment—a shot by Julián Álvarez—was unfazed by their frequent movement around the three-quarters of the field and their attempts to take the lead.
In a match where only one team was on the field, the home team's best approaches were the unexpected arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Gonzalo Montiel, aside from Araña's shot, who once again formed part of the trident with Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez. They entered the locker room feeling as though they had dominated but perhaps not done enough to take the lead.
And Argentina's hierarchy allowed them to accomplish what they were unable to do in the first half. Messi, who up until that point had been effectively contained by the Peruvian defense, exploited the smallest gaps to pass two opponents and sent a fantastic cross to Lautaro, who deftly took two steps back and slipped past Alexander Callens.
But the best part came later, when he created a scissor kick and, after taking a slight detour off Callens, scored his 32nd goal—the same number Diego Armando Maradona celebrated during his illustrious football career—to put the Argentine National Team ahead (55') and add to his international record.
Despite the scoreboard disadvantage, Peru was unable to gain possession of the ball despite Jorge Fossati's offensive sector adjustments (Dibu Martínez was a luxury spectator). Indeed, despite the lack of fluidity, Argentina issued a couple of warnings with Martínez, who had already scored against Paraguay before being replaced by Giuliano Simeone in his first Major League game.
Additionally, Rodrigo De Paul was replaced by Giovani Lo Celso, while Nehuén Pérez had taken Gonzalo Montiel's place just minutes earlier due to physical discomfort. Leandro Paredes and Facundo Medina took their turn at the last minute.
The fact that none of Scaloni's players received a warning is another positive development. As a result, the players who received a warning—Otamendi, Montiel, De Paul, Fernández, Paredes, Lo Celso, and Mac Allister—will be eligible to play against Uruguay in Montevideo in March during a FIFA matchday that ends with the welcome to Brazil.
Out of the 18 Qualifiers, the Albiceleste finished with 25 points in 12 dates, cutting off at the top and ahead of Uruguay (20), Ecuador (19), Colombia (19), Brazil (18), and Paraguay (17). This victory marked the end of a 2024 season in which the American championship stood out.
The top team in the world, which earned a spot in the ranking with their victory at La Bombonera on Tuesday, will play Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador after Uruguay and Brazil, a double date in which they can guarantee their qualification for the World Cup.
For its part, Peru is starting to bid farewell to its World Cup hopes as it sits at the bottom of the standings with seven points, two fewer than Chile, which defeated Venezuela and moved ahead of it.
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