Argentina beat Peru 1-0 on Thursday in South American World Cup qualifying. Despite the unimpressive performance, Lionel Messi’s team is now closer to a direct spot at Qatar next year.
Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the match with a header in the 43rd minute after a cross from the right by Rodrigo de Paul. Messi had a quiet performance in front of his home fans.
Peru had the golden chance to equalize from the spot in the 65th minute, but veteran Yoshimar Yotun hit the bar. The result also extended Argentina’s unbeaten run to 25 games.
Second-place Argentina has 25 points after 11 matches — its encounter against leader Brazil was suspended after seven minutes of play due to COVID-19 protocols. FIFA will decided whether the match will be re-played or not.
Martínez agreed Argentina had more difficulties against Peru in comparison with the 3-0 hammering of rival Uruguay on Sunday.
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