In the home match at Alberto J. Armando Stadium, Argentina chose to let Peru control possession early on. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s side focused on swift counter-attacks, taking advantage of Peru’s confusion when they lost the ball in dangerous areas.

Enzo Fernandez was the first to create a serious opportunity, breaking through on goal, but his poor touch resulted in the ball only being nudged into the side netting from close range.

Argentina’s counter-attacks continued to trouble Peru, and they nearly scored in the 20th minute when Julian Alvarez fired a powerful shot at goal, but it struck the post and went wide.

Peru responded by falling back and successfully defending Lionel Messi’s set pieces, leading to a goalless first half.

The second half began with Argentina pushing for an opening goal, which they found after 10 minutes. Messi delivered a precise pass to Lautaro Martinez, who volleyed a stunning shot into the top corner to give Argentina the lead.

Peru struggled to create clear chances, but they nearly equalised in the 75th minute when Sergio Pena’s long-range effort sailed over the bar. As Peru pressed forward, Argentina had opportunities to extend their lead but failed to capitalize, with the match ending 1-0 in favor of the hosts.

The win strengthened Argentina’s position at the top of the group with 25 points, five points ahead of second-placed Uruguay, while Peru’s hopes of World Cup qualification were in jeopardy as they fell to the bottom of the group, six points behind the play-off spot.