Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez scored in the second half to secure a 1-0 home win against Peru on Tuesday in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Martinez scored ten minutes after the break, taking advantage of a fine cross from Lionel Messi to fire a half-volley into the top right corner.

The Inter Milan forward’s 32nd international goal moved him level with Diego Maradona for fifth place in the country’s all-time charts.

“I’m happy because my whole family came and I always want to give the best of myself. This year was very positive and luckily we ended it with a win,” Martinez told local television.

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“It has been a spectacular year in terms of performances, goals and matches played. We have to keep playing and improve every day.

“Everyone wants to beat us. The Argentina national team is always the main character. There are things that can be improved, but we must continue on this path.”

The World Cup holders top the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points, five ahead of Uruguay, who play Brazil later in the day. Peru is at the bottom of the ten-team table with seven points after twelve matches.

The top six automatically qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“We are Copa America champions, we are first in the qualifiers. We must be proud,” said Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.