Argentina vs Peru Player Ratings:
Inter Miami Star Sets Up Lautaro Martínez for the Only Goal of the Game, Giving Lionel Scaloni’s Team a Lead at the Top of the Table
In what has become a familiar story for Argentina, Lionel Messi delivered a brilliant performance as La Albiceleste defeated Peru 1-0 in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
The Inter Miami superstar beat three defenders and provided an incredible assist to Inter forward Lautaro Martínez, who sealed the win with a magnificent overhead kick in the 55th minute, securing all three points.
After a quiet first half, Argentina emerged with renewed energy following the break and secured their brilliant winner just 10 minutes into the second half. Peru, however, remained resilient, locking up defensively and keeping Argentina at bay. Meanwhile, the host team’s solid defense, led by their workhorse midfield duo of Enzo Fernández and Rodrigo De Paul, ensured the result was secured.
Goalkeeper and Defense
Emiliano Martínez (6/10):
Hardly tested but distributed the ball well.
Gonzalo Montiel (6/10):
Replaced Molina in the starting lineup, but didn’t make much impact on the match.
Nicolás Otamendi (7/10):
A solid performance from the experienced center-back. Stayed calm all night and was strong defensively when needed.
Leonardo Balerdi (7/10):
Put in a much better performance than against Paraguay in Romero’s absence. A promising display.
Nicolás Tagliafico (7/10):
Solid performance all night. Was a great asset on the flank and dominated his side of the pitch.
Midfield
Enzo Fernández (7/10):
The Chelsea player was strong in midfield and quick on the ball. Completed the most passes on the pitch.
Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):
Another disappointing performance from the Liverpool player. Struggled to make an impact in the center of the pitch.
Rodrigo De Paul (7/10):
As exceptional as always. Won more tackles than any other midfielder and created a big chance.
Attack
Lionel Messi (9/10):
A brilliant assist. Truly a magical moment for the team’s talisman. The first half was quiet, but he made up for it with a fantastic ball for the opening goal.
Lautaro Martínez (9/10):
A brilliant performance all evening, causing problems in the final third throughout the match. A stunning finish for the only goal of the game.
Julián Álvarez (7/10):
Not as impressive as his teammates, but he did well in moving defenders out of position and creating attacking opportunities.
Substitutes & Manager
Nahuel Pérez (N/A):
Introduced with 14 minutes remaining. Didn’t have an impact on the match.
Giuliano Simón (N/A):
Came on in the final few minutes.
Giovani Lo Celso (N/A):
Came on late to see out the match.
Facundo Medina (N/A):
Substituted in during stoppage time.
Leandro Paredes (N/A):
Substituted in during stoppage time.
Lionel Scaloni (7/10):
A poor first half, but he energized his team during the break, which paid off. After the previous loss, Scaloni and his team responded impressively, though the match was closer than expected.
