Lautaro Martinez matched Diego Maradona’s all-time scoring record for Argentina with a key goal in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Peru in Buenos Aires.
The 27-year-old striker scored a brilliant left-footed volley from a Lionel Messi assist in the 55th minute, marking his 32nd international goal in 70 appearances.
Martinez now shares fifth place in Argentina’s all-time scoring chart with Maradona, though he remains far behind the record-holder, Messi, who has 112 goals. The top five is rounded out by Gabriel Batistuta, Sergio Aguero, and Hernan Crespo.
Messi, 37, also made history by tying Landon Donovan for the most international assists, with 58.
Argentina dominated much of the match but failed to add to their lead, with Julian Alvarez striking the post and Alexis Mac Allister heading wide.
The win leaves Argentina five points clear at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying standings with six matches remaining.
In other results, Brazil were greeted with boos from their own supporters after a 1-1 draw against Uruguay in Salvador. Federico Valverde gave Uruguay the lead early in the second half, but Gerson quickly equalized for Brazil with his first-ever international goal. The draw leaves Brazil in fifth place, with the top six teams automatically qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ecuador triumphed 1-0 over Colombia thanks to a superb solo goal by former West Ham and Everton forward Enner Valencia, lifting them above Colombia into third place on goal difference. Meanwhile, Paraguay secured a 2-2 draw with Bolivia, with Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron among the scorers, keeping them in sixth. Bolivia remains seventh, just ahead of Venezuela, who were defeated 4-2 by Chile.
