ARG vs PER Highlights: Catch the highlights of the Argentina vs Peru FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match played at the La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Lionel Messi had his head down, dribbling down the left side, like he knew he had a teammate wide open to his right.

Messi sent a pass into the middle of the penalty area, and Lautaro Martinez elevated his left leg to strike the assist home in the 55th minute of Argentina’s 1-0 win over Peru on Tuesday night at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.

With the assist, Messi tied U.S. Men’s National Team legend Landon Donovan for the most international assists in men’s soccer history. They each have 58 assists.

The 2026 World Cup qualifying match was also the final game for Messi in 2024, capping what he called “another unforgettable year.”

During the Copa America final against Colombia on July 14, Martinez’s goal in extra time secured the title with Messi injured on the bench.

On Tuesday night, Messi helped Martinez score his 35 national team goal to tie the great Diego Maradona for fifth place in Argentina history. Messi hasn’t publicly committed to playing in the next World Cup, but he’s still eager as ever to play with the national team at this stage of his career.

Argentina has now won 65 of its last 70 games — after entering the match having lost two of its previous four games.

“Everyone wants to beat us. The Argentine national team is always the protagonist,” Martinez said after the game. “There are things to improve, but we have to continue on this path.”

What’s next for Messi?
Messi and Argentina won their second straight Copa America title this summer, cementing themselves as one of soccer’s greatest dynasties — their run highlighted by their victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.