WATCH: Lautaro Martinez puts finishing touches to Lionel Messi's pass, scores weak-foot volley goal in Argentina's win over Peru
Lionel Messi's Argentina defeated Peru 1-0 on Tuesday (November 19) in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at La Bombonera. Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the match (55') with the help of an assist from Messi.
After a goalless first half, Martinez broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a spectacular goal for La Albiceleste. In Peru's box, Messi gave a cross to Martinez, and the 27-year-old converted the volley into a goal with an acrobatic effort.
The World Champions won the game 1-0, and Lionel Messi was named the Player of the Match. The Argentine legend maintained a passing accuracy of 74% (45/61) and also created three chances. Messi also won seven out of 10 duels and provided an assist for Lautaro Martinez's goal.
Meanwhile, Martinez maintained a passing accuracy of 81% (22/27) and scored the only goal of the match. La Albiceleste are first in the CONMEBOL FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers after 12 matches. With 25 points and eight wins, Argentina are five points ahead of Uruguay at the top of the table.
Earlier in the November international break, Argentina lost 2-1 to Paraguay (November 14).
Lionel Messi equals USA legend Landon Donovan's record with an assist against Peru
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has equaled former American football star Landon Donovan's record for most assists in men's international football history. Against Peru on Thursday, the Argentine icon scored his 58th assist in international football and equaled Donavon's record.
Apart from spending the majority of his career with Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy, Donovan also played for Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, and San Jose. In 157 matches for the USAMT, Donavon bagged 57 goals and 58 assists.
Meanwhile, the 37-year-old legend has played 191 matches for La Albiceleste. Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami last summer and since then, he has helped the Herons win the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters' Shield Trophy.
However, Inter Miami suffered a disappointing 3-2 loss to Atlanta United in the first round of the Major League Soccer playoffs (best-of-three series). The Herons were the top-seeded club in the playoffs after they ended their campaign first in the Eastern Conference with 74 points in 34 matches.