This was a match where the Argentine team continued to show a performance that was not really improved compared to the recent 1-2 loss to Paraguay. However, in a deadlocked situation, famous player Messi managed to shine and break the deadlock with a beautiful assist for Lautaro Martinez to score the winning goal against Peru.
Messi shines to break the deadlock for Argentina
The victory helped Argentina maintain their top position in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America with 25 points after 12 matches. Thereby, it also lifted their spirits with the final victory in 2024 after a series of 4 recent matches with only 1 win, 1 draw and 2 losses.
Scaloni kept the same line-up as against Paraguay, with Messi, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez up front. The midfielders were De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Mac Allister. Only the appearance of Leonardo Balerdi alongside Otamendi in central defence was new.
In the first half, Argentina dominated Peru, but despite creating 6 shots, they still had no chance to convert any of them into goals. Messi played right behind the strikers Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, always being closely marked by his opponents, so there were few significant chances.
It was not until the second half that Argentina's pressure was translated into a goal to turn the match around. Messi continued to play a key role when he made a beautiful assist for striker Lautaro Martinez to score in the 55th minute.
Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal for Argentina
With a 1-0 lead, the Argentine team increased the pressure in the hope of quickly finishing off their opponents who were always defending with a large number of players in their own half. However, the Albiceleste stars created many more chances but failed to capitalize on them to increase the score. Messi was also closely marked, making it difficult for him to score.
Therefore, the Argentine team had to be satisfied with a minimal 1-0 victory to end 2024 with many fluctuations and maintained success as Copa America champion and No. 1 position on the FIFA rankings.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/messi-kien-tao-dep-mat-cho-lautaro-martinez-ghi-ban-doi-tuyen-argentina-lay-lai-niem-vui-185241120092432098.htm
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