FIFA WC’26 Qualifiers, CONMEBOL: Lionel Messi was as usual on-song for Argentina, as the reigning World and South American champions race to 1-0 win over Peru at the Estadio Alberto Jose Armando in Buenos Aires, to end their memorable 2024 on a high.

 

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner assisted Lautaro Martinez for the only goal of the match in the 55th minute, as both sides showed impressive defensive resilience to deny each other from breaking the deadlock. However, Peru failed to do so, and with their defeat, they are now languishing at the bottom of the table with 7 points in 12 matches.

The match saw Lionel Messi accomplish yet another iconic feat, as his assist for Lautaro Martinez now means that he equals USA’s Landon Donovan for the record of most assists in international football (58).

 

Lautaro Martinez Equals Diego Maradona In THIS Unique List

Lautaro Martinez is enjoying a memorable 2024, as the Argentina striker went from being a flop at 2022 FIFA World World Cup Qatar, to the main goal-scoring threat alongside Lionel Messi in 2024.

The Inter-Milan talisman scored the only goal of the Copa America 2024 Final, as Argentina retained their crown, and also scored the only goal for Argentina in their latest 1-0 win over Peru.

With the goal, Lautaro Martinez has now scored 32 goals in the Albiceleste shirt and goes level with the legendary Late Diego Armando Maradona for 5th-most goals for Argentina.