In the match at home at Alberto J. Armando Stadium, Argentina proactively ceded control of the ball to Peru in the first minutes. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s team focused on quick counter-attacks when the away team appeared confused and lost the ball in dangerous positions.

Enzo Fernandez was the first to create a dangerous chance when he broke through on goal, but his poor touch meant he could only manage to tip the ball into the side of the net from close range.

Argentina’s counter-attacks continued to trouble Peru and they almost got a goal in the 20th minute when Julian Alvarez faced goal but his powerful shot hit the post and went wide.

Peru responded by retreating and successfully stopping Lionel Messi’s set pieces, leaving the first half goalless.

The second half began with Argentina actively searching for an opening goal, and they succeeded after 10 minutes. Messi passed the ball precisely to Lautaro Martinez, who volleyed a beautiful shot into the top corner to open the scoring.

Peru struggled to create clear-cut chances, but they almost equalised with 15 minutes to go. Sergio Pena fired a long-range shot over the bar. Argentina had chances to double their lead as Peru pushed forward, but they failed to capitalise and the match ended 1-0 in favour of the hosts.

The win helped Argentina consolidate their top spot in the group with 25 points, five points ahead of second-placed Uruguay, while Peru faced the risk of not being able to qualify for the World Cup as they dropped to the bottom of the group, six points behind the play-off spot.