The reigning World Champions felt the breath of their French enemies on the back of their necks, but they did a double blow on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday. Argentina won on Tuesday against Peru (1-0), a victory which allows them to escape at the top of the South American qualifications for the 2026 World Cup. on a magnificent volley from Lautaro Martinez scored a magnificent volley, ideally served by Messi.
The world champions (25 points), who had just suffered their third defeat (2-1 in Paraguay, after setbacks against Uruguay and Colombia), moved forward again against the last of this unique group ( beaten 2-0 in the first leg) who has not yet won a single match (3 points).
The Messi spark
With 75% possession of the ball in the first period, Argentina stormed the Peruvian goal but Julien Alvarez, well offset by Messi, found the base of the post (22nd). Balls stolen from the eight-time Ballon d'Or to bypass a regrouped defense, or set pieces for the head of Alexis Mac Allister tirelessly fled the target until the break.
It was inevitably from Messi that the spark came, with an incursion by the Argentine captain into the area which monopolized four defenders. His perfect delivery found Lautaro Martinez at the penalty spot who rose for a powerful volley from the left for his 32nd goal in the selection. Unstoppable (1-0, 55th).
Argentina (8V, 1N, 3L) takes off on its pursuers. Uruguay (2nd, 19 points) went to Brazil in search of reconquest after a sad draw in Venezuela (1-1). Thanks to this victory, the Albiceleste is also assured of finishing the year in first place in the FIFA rankings, while France could regain this place in the event of a defeat.
France
