Lionel Messi’s Argentina Edge Closer to Booking 2026 FIFA World Cup Spot After Narrow Win Over Peru

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Lionel Messi assisted Lautaro Martinez as Argentina edged closer to sealing a FIFA World Cup 2026 spot following a narrow 1-0 win over Peru on Tuesday (November 19) at the Alberto José Armando Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

After going down to Paraguay last week, Argentina got back to winning ways in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup thanks to a solitary goal from Martinez.

The result meant Argentina lead the South American qualifying with 25 points from 12 matches, while the loss left Peru in the 10th and last position in the round-robin competition with seven points.

Martinez scored 10 minutes after the break, capitalising on a fine cross from Messi to fire home a half-volley into the top-right corner. This was Martinez's 32nd international goal, which saw him go level with Diego Maradona in fifth spot in Argentina's all-time scoring charts.

Until the opener, Argentina's best chance had come in the 21st minute, when striker Julián Alvarez hit the post. Messi once again had a modest performance, as he did in his team's 2-1 defeat at Paraguay on Thursday (November 14).

Messi's defending World Champions will next be in action only in March 2025 when they face Brazil and Uruguay in the South American World Cup qualifiers. Argentina will play their remaining three qualifying matches against Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador next year.

Brazil and Uruguay shared the spoils on Tuesday (November 19) following a 1-1 draw. Argentina will take on Uruguay on March 20th next year before taking on another rival Brazil five days later on March 25th. Uruguay remain in second place behind Argentina with 20 points, while Brazil remained in fifth with 18 points.

Also on Tuesday (November 19), 10-man Ecuador edged Colombia 1-0 thanks to a goal by Enner Valencia in the seventh minute. Ecuador lost defender Piero Hincapié to a red card in the 34th minute but held on for the win.

Bolivia and Paraguay drew 2-2 in a match between teams that could end up fighting for the seventh position in the region's qualifying, which secures a berth in an international playoff. Chile, one of the worst performing teams in the region this year, showed some fighting spirit and beat Venezuela 4-2.