With this victory, the current world champions ended the year as the top team in the CONMEBOL region.

Lautaro Martinez's goal gave Argentina a 1-0 win over Peru on Tuesday in a South American World Cup qualifying match in Buenos Aires.

The victory nearly secures Lionel Messi's team a spot in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Messi crossed the ball in the penalty area in the 55th minute to give Martinez one of the few clear opportunities of the match.