The Inter Miami star set up Lautaro Martinez for the only goal of the game as Lionel Scaloni's side stretched their lead at the top of the table
In what has become a familiar story for Argentina, Lionel Messi bailed them out with a moment of brilliance as La Albiceleste defeated Peru 1-0 in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
The Inter Miami superstar beat three defenders to deliver an outrageous assist for Inter forward Lautaro Martinez, who scored with a stupendous overhead kick to secure all three points with his 55th-minute effort.
After a quiet first half, Argentina emerged from the break with a newfound vigour, and they netted their stunning winner 10 minutes into the second half. Peru, however, remained resilient, locking down defensively and shutting out Argentina the rest of the way while the hosts' strong defence, powered by their workhorse midfield duo of Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul, returned the favour to secure the result.
GOAL rates Argentina players from Estadio Alberto Jose Armando in Buenos Aires…
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Emiliano Martinez (6/10):
Was rarely tested. Had good distribution.
Gonzalo Montiel (6/10):
Replaced Molina in the XI, but didn't have much of an impact on the match
Nicolas Otamendi (7/10):
A veteran's performance in the back line. Was composed all night, and was defensively strong when needed,
Leonardo Balerdi (7/10):
Filled in for the absent Romero with a much better showing than against Paraguay. A promising performance.
Nicolas Tagliafico (7/10):
Lights-out all night. Was a really good asset on the flank, and occupied his side of the pitch well.
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Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
The Chelsea man was solid in the midfield, with the tempo flowing through him. He completed the most passes of any player on the pitch.
Alexis Mac Allister (6/10):
Another lackluster showing from the Liverpool man. Failed to make an impact in the middle of the pitch.
Rodrigo De Paul (7/10):
Was exceptional as usual. Won more tackles than any other midfielder, and created one big chance.
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Lionel Messi (9/10):
Outrageous assist. It was a genuinely magical moment from the team's talisman. Had a quiet first half, but made up for it with his brilliant ball for the opening goal.
Lautaro Martinez (9/10):
Superb all evening, was a nuisance in the final third throughout the match. Stunning finish for the only goal, too.
Julian Alvarez (7/10):
Wasn't as impactful as his counterparts, but played his role well to draw defenders out of position and create attacking chances.
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Nehuen Perez (N/A):
Introduced with 14 minutes to spare. Did not impact the match.
Giuliano Simeone (N/A):
Brought on with minutes to spare.
Giovani Lo Celso (N/A):
Was subbed on late to close out the match.
Facundo Medina (N/A):
Was a stoppage-time sub.
Leandro Paredes (N/A):
Was a stoppage-time sub.
Lionel Scaloni (7/10):
A rather poor first half, but he breathed life into his squad at the break, and it paid off. An impressive response from Scaloni and his team after defeat last time out, even if it was closer than expected.