In a thrilling clash at La Bombonera on November 20, 2024, Argentina continued their dominant run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, narrowly defeating Peru 1-0. At the heart of this victory was Lionel Messi, whose remarkable assist set up the lone goal of the match scored by Lautaro Martínez.
Messi's Exceptional Play
The decisive goal came in the 55th minute, showcasing Messi's eye for precision. His lofted pass wasn't just remarkable; it was a testament to his unparalleled vision on the field. As Martínez executed an overhead kick, the stadium erupted, as fans witnessed yet another moment of Messi's magic at work. This feat not only secured the win but also allowed Messi to tie the record of 58 national team assists held by Landon Donovan.
Apart from this significant assist, Messi was a consistent driving force throughout the match. His performance was pivotal, earning him an impressive rating of 8/10. Meanwhile, Lautaro Martínez, the match-winning goalscorer, perfectly complemented Messi's play, earning a solid 7.2/10 for his role in the game.
Argentina's Dominance on Display
Under the leadership of manager Lionel Scaloni, Argentina showcased dominant gameplay, maintaining over 70% possession. The team’s strategy effectively kept pressure on Peru, forcing them into defensive positions for much of the match. Despite this control, Argentina’s finishing efficiency appeared to wane as they struggled to expand their lead, a potential area for Scaloni to address in future fixtures.
Key performers, aside from Messi and Martínez, included Emiliano Martínez in goal, who ensured a clean sheet, thus maintaining the team’s strong defensive record. Alexis Mac Allister also stood out, providing several attacking opportunities that kept the Peruvian defense on edge.
Peru, on the other hand, finds itself in a precarious position at the bottom of the CONMEBOL standings with just seven points. Their coach Jorge Fossati faces mounting pressure to guide his squad toward better results and rekindle their World Cup hopes. Despite their struggles, the team displayed moments of resilience, although these were too few to challenge the might of Argentina.
Near the match’s conclusion, substitutions such as Giuliano Simeone and Giovani Lo Celso offered fresh energy, replacing Lautaro Martínez and Rodrigo De Paul, respectively. These changes indicated Scaloni’s commitment to tactical flexibility and squad depth as Argentina eyes a successful qualification campaign.
This victory consolidates Argentina’s lead in the qualifiers, affirming their championship aspirations as they continue their quest to secure a spot in the world’s most prestigious football tournament.
