ROME (ITALPRESS) – After losing to Paraguay, Argentina promptly redeemed itself in the South American qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup, which will be played between Canada, the United States and Mexico. On the turf of Estadio Alberto J. Armando in Buenos Aires, the reigning world champions bent Peru 1-0 with the usual Lautaro Martinez, scoring in 55′ on an assist from Leo Messi. For the Nerazzurri captain it was the 32nd center in the national team: joined a legend like Maradona in fifth place of the Seleccion’s bombers. Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes entered at 90′, only bench for Lazio striker Taty Castillanos. Among the guests, Cagliari forward Gianluca Lapadula took the field at 64′. In the standings, Scaloni’s Albiceleste, triumphant in the last Copa America, leads with 25 points (eight wins, one draw and three defeats), while Fossati’s selection is trailing at 7. Argentina stretches its lead by virtue of a draw by second in the class, Uruguay, which drew at Estadio Fonte Nova in Salvador against Brazil, which was stopped at 1-1. La Celeste went ahead in 55′ with a goal by Madrid’s Federico Valverde, the Selecao responded in 62′ with former Roma and Fiorentina player Gerson. Starters in defense on both sides were Juventus’ Danilo and Naples’ Mathias Olivera. Bielsa’s selection is thus second with 20 points, Junior’s fifth with 18. Sixth place (17) for Paraguay, which draws 2-2 in Bolivia, seventh (13) and currently qualified for the play-off. In El Alto, hosts ahead at 15′ with Vaca Moreno, guests on even terms at 71′ with Almiron, new Bolivia lead at 80′ with a penalty kick by Miguelito and final 2-2 in the salvage by Enciso. Despite Hincapie’s expulsion in 34′, Ecuador expunged Barranquilla’s Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez 1-0, bending host Colombia (holder in defense Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi, only bench for Cagliari’s Yerri Mina) with Valencia’s decisive goal after 7′. A success that allows Ecuador to blow away the third position in the standings right to Colombia, now fourth (both with 19 points). A Cepeda double launched Chile, which at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago de Chile disposed of Venezuela 4-2. Hosts took the lead at 13′ with Savarino, Eduardo Vargas tied it at 20′; Venezuela still ahead at 22′ with Ramirez, an own goal by Rincon at 29′ is worth the Chilean 2-2 before the 3-2 signed by Cepeda, who conceded the encore at 47′.Standings: Argentina 25 points; Uruguay 20; Ecuador, Colombia 19; Brazil 18; Paraguay 17; Bolivia 13; Venezuela 12; Chile 9; Peru 7.- Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
