Martinez gives Argentina win over Peru
A second-half strike from Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina a 1-0 home win over Peru in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, with the striker's goal moving him into a tie with Diego Maradona as the country's fifth all-time scorer.
Martinez notched his 32nd international goal 10 minutes after the break, capitalising on a fine cross from Lionel Messi to fire home a half-volley into the top-right corner.
"I'm happy because my whole family came and I always want to give my best. This year was very positive and luckily we closed it with a victory," Martinez told local TV.
"It was a spectacular year in terms of performance, goals, games played. We have to keep playing and improving day by day.
"Everyone wants to beat us. Argentina's national team are always the main characters. There are things to improve but we have to continue on this path."
The World Cup holders lead the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points, five clear of Uruguay. Peru are bottom of the 10-team table with seven points after 12 games.
The top six qualify automatically for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
"We are Copa America champions, we are first in the qualifiers. We have to be proud," Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said.
Brazil draw with Uruguay
Brazil drew 1-1 with Uruguay in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday after Gerson's brilliant strike cancelled out Federico Valverde's opener for the visitors.
Five-times World Cup winners Brazil are fifth in the CONMEBOL standings on 18 points, one point behind Colombia and Ecuador, after picking up their second straight draw.
Uruguay are second on 20 points, five behind leaders Argentina.
The top six will automatically qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
After a tight first half, Real Madrid midfielder Valverde opened the scoring in the 55th minute when he curled a fine long-range low shot into the far corner.
Gerson brought the hosts level seven minutes later, the Flamengo midfielder scoring his first international goal with a terrific volley after a poor clearance by the Uruguayan defence.
"I'd actually swap my goal for the win," Gerson told Brazil's Globo TV. "We knew it was a tough game and we wanted to win. We conceded the goal and got the equaliser.
"We'll just have to keep working at our clubs and next year when there's another international break we can go for it. We just have to keep working and trust in our work."
Brazil pushed for a winner but late efforts from Luis Enrique and Raphinha went wide as boos from home fans at the Arena Fonte Nove rang out at the final whistle.
"I think the booing is more about the result, because in my opinion we gave it all," Raphinha said.
"I'm proud of those who played and even those on the bench. We did everything we could to get the result. We played a lot of football and we have to leave with our heads held high."
Manager Dorival Junior, who took charge in January, said his side had made plenty of progress over the year even if the results do not show it.