Messi ties assist record as Argentina top World Cup qualifiers

Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Peru in a South American qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, thanks to a second-half goal by Lautaro Martínez.

The result keeps the reigning World Cup champions at the top of the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points from 12 matches, five ahead of second-placed Uruguay.

Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in the match, delivering a superb assist for Martínez’s winning goal. Ten minutes into the second half, Messi skillfully navigated through Peru's defence and delivered a curling cross to the penalty area.

Martínez connected with a brilliant half-volley, driving the ball into the top-right corner for his 32nd international goal. This milestone moves him level with Diego Maradona in fifth place on Argentina’s all-time scoring list.

Messi's assist was his 58th in international football, tying him with the United States’ Landon Donovan for the most assists in men’s international football history. The 37-year-old now aims to break this record when Argentina face Uruguay and Brazil in 2025 World Cup qualifiers.

Peru, meanwhile, sit at the bottom of the 10-team table with just seven points from 12 games. The top six teams in the group will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.