A magnificent volley from Lautaro Martínez secured a 1-0 victory for world champions Argentina over Peru, while Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Uruguay in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.
Argentina remain top of the CONMEBOL standings, with qualification for the 2026 tournament seemingly a matter of time.
It was far from a vintage performance by Lionel Scaloni’s team, but a moment of brilliance from Inter Milan’s Martínez proved decisive at the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires.
Lionel Messi delivered a cross from the left, and Martínez leapt into the air, leaning back to unleash a thunderous left-footed volley past Pedro Gallese.
Argentina’s eighth win from 12 games leaves them on 25 points, five clear of second-placed Uruguay, who earned a valuable point against Brazil.
The five-time World Cup winners struggled in Salvador, falling behind in the 55th minute to a fine finish from Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde.
However, Brazil equalised seven minutes later when a headed clearance fell to Gerson, who smashed home a perfectly struck volley.
Gabriel Martinelli came close to a winner, showing deft control before unleashing a volley that drew a brilliant save from Sergio Rochet.
The draw leaves Brazil in fifth place on 18 points, one point behind fourth-placed Colombia, who suffered a surprise 1-0 home defeat to Ecuador in Barranquilla.
