Lautaro Martinez Matches Diego Maradona in Argentina Scoring Rankings

Lautaro Martinez equaled Diego Maradona’s all-time scoring record for Argentina with a decisive goal in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Peru in Buenos Aires.

The 27-year-old forward netted a stunning left-footed volley from a Lionel Messi cross just after the hour mark, marking his 32nd international goal in his 70th appearance.

Martinez now stands joint-fifth on Argentina’s all-time scoring list alongside Maradona, although he trails behind all-time leader Messi, who has 112 goals. The top five is completed by Gabriel Batistuta, Sergio Aguero, and Hernan Crespo.

Messi, 37, also achieved a milestone by tying with former U.S. forward Landon Donovan for the most international assists, with 58.

Argentina controlled much of the match but failed to extend their lead, with Julian Alvarez hitting the post and Alexis Mac Allister sending a header wide.

This victory puts Argentina five points clear at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying table with six matches remaining.

In other action, Brazil faced criticism from their own fans after a 1-1 draw against Uruguay in Salvador. Federico Valverde put Uruguay ahead early in the second half, but Gerson equalized for Brazil just six minutes later, scoring his first international goal.

The draw leaves Brazil in fifth place in the standings, with the top six teams qualifying automatically for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Ecuador secured a 1-0 win over Colombia thanks to a brilliant solo goal from former West Ham and Everton forward Enner Valencia, moving them above Colombia into third place on goal difference. Meanwhile, Paraguay drew 2-2 with Bolivia, with Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron among the scorers, keeping Paraguay in sixth place. Bolivia remains seventh, just ahead of Venezuela, who lost 4-2 to Chile.