A magnificent volley from Lautaro Martinez was enough to give world champions Argentina a 1-0 win over Peru while ten-man Ecuador upset Colombia with a 1-0 victory in South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

Argentina remain on top of the CONMEBOL standings with their qualification for the 2026 tournament surely just a matter of time.

It was far from a vintage performance from Lionel Scaloni's team, the winners of the last two Copa America tournaments, but a moment of magic from Inter Milan's Martinez proved decisive.

Julian Alvarez went closest to breaking through in the first half when he struck the post after good work from Martinez.

Argentina were dominating possession without creating many openings but with frustration starting to creep in among the crowd at the 'Bombonera' stadium in Buenos Aires, Martinez delivered.

Lionel Messi floated in a cross from the left and Martinez leapt into the air, leaning back as he cracked a thundering left-volley past Pedro Gallese.

Argentina's eighth win from 12 games leaves them on 25 points at the top of the table. Second-placed Uruguay were playing later at Brazil.

In Barranquilla, a gritty victory from 10-man Ecuador moved Sebastian Beccacece's young side into third place in the 10-team qualifying group.

Veteran striker Enner Valencia stunned the home crowd with an outstanding solo effort in the seventh minute, the former West Ham United forward breaking away from three Colombian defenders and powering into the box before slotting home.

Colombia forward Jhon Cordoba then missed a golden opportunity to level the score, stumbling off balance and missing from point blank range after being set up by James Rodriguez.

Cordoba was central to the 34th minute incident that left Ecuador short-handed for the rest of the game.

The gangly striker raced clear and rounded Ecuador keeper Hernan Galindez before going down as Piero Hincapie closed in on him.

The referee ruled that Hincapie had tripped the forward and despite lengthy appeals and a VAR review the decision stood.

Galindez was then alert to keep out the resulting free-kick from Rodriguez and the keeper then had a busy end to the half as Colombia peppered his goal.

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz headed a Daniel Munoz cross against the post and Galindez did well to smother Cordoba at close range.

Colombia grew increasingly frustrated as Ecuador's defence held firm in the second half with Galindez parrying to keep out substitute Jhon Duran and the unfortunate Cordoba blasted the loose ball high and wide from a tight angle.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis/news-rafael-nadal-bids-farewell-to-illustrious-career-after-spains-davis-cup-exit-against-netherlands-777515">Rafael Nadal bids farewell to illustrious career after Spain's Davis Cup exit against Netherlands</a>

<h2>Paraguay draw, Chile win</h2>

Elsewhere Tuesday, Paraguay earned a 2-2 draw at Bolivia with the home side going ahead in the 15th minute with a confident strike from Ervin Vaca.

Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron levelled for Paraguay in the 71st minute with a clinical finish after a smart passing move across the box.

Bolivia restored their lead nine minutes later with a Miguel Terceros penalty after Gustavo Gomez brought down Lucas Chavez in the box.

Both benches got involved in protests and Bolivian sub Adalid Terrazas and Paraguay's Diego Gomez, who had been substituted, were both shown red cards.

Paraguay grabbed a point in stoppage time in some style with a magnificent solo effort from Julio Enciso who dribbled from deep before unleashing a thundering drive from 20 yards out.

Ninth-placed Chile have a lot of work to do if they are to make one of the six automatic qualifcation spots but they did their cause no harm with a 4-2 thrashing of Venzeula.

Venezuela took &nbsp;the lead thanks to a thunderbolt from the edge of the box from Jefferson Savarino but seven minutes later Eduardo Vargas levelled.

Ruben Ramirez restored the lead for the 'Vinotinto' but an own goal from Tomas Rincon made it 2-2 and Lucas Capeda's 38th minute goal sent Chile in with a 3-2 lead at the break.

Capeda finished off a swift counter attack in the 47th minute to give Chile their second win of the campaign.

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A magnificent volley from Lautaro Martinez was enough to give world champions Argentina a 1-0 win over Peru while ten-man Ecuador upset Colombia with a 1-0 victory in South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

A magnificent volley from Lautaro Martinez was enough to give world champions Argentina a 1-0 win over Peru while ten-man Ecuador upset Colombia with a 1-0 victory in South American World Cup qualifying on Tuesday. Argentina remain on top of the CONMEBOL standings with their qualification for the 2026 tournament surely just a matter of time. It was far from a vintage performance from Lionel Scaloni's team, the winners of the last two Copa America tournaments, but a moment of magic from Inter Milan's Martinez proved decisive. Julian Alvarez went closest to breaking through in the first half when he struck the post after good work from Martinez. Argentina were dominating possession without creating many openings but with frustration starting to creep in among the crowd at the 'Bombonera' stadium in Buenos Aires, Martinez delivered. Lionel Messi floated in a cross from the left and Martinez leapt into the air, leaning back as he cracked a thundering left-volley past Pedro Gallese. Argentina's eighth win from 12 games leaves them on 25 points at the top of the table. Second-placed Uruguay were playing later at Brazil. In Barranquilla, a gritty victory from 10-man Ecuador moved Sebastian Beccacece's young side into third place in the 10-team qualifying group. Veteran striker Enner Valencia stunned the home crowd with an outstanding solo effort in the seventh minute, the former West Ham United forward breaking away from three Colombian defenders and powering into the box before slotting home. Colombia forward Jhon Cordoba then missed a golden opportunity to level the score, stumbling off balance and missing from point blank range after being set up by James Rodriguez. Cordoba was central to the 34th minute incident that left Ecuador short-handed for the rest of the game. The gangly striker raced clear and rounded Ecuador keeper Hernan Galindez before going down as Piero Hincapie closed in on him. The referee ruled that Hincapie had tripped the forward and despite lengthy appeals and a VAR review the decision stood. Galindez was then alert to keep out the resulting free-kick from Rodriguez and the keeper then had a busy end to the half as Colombia peppered his goal. Liverpool winger Luis Diaz headed a Daniel Munoz cross against the post and Galindez did well to smother Cordoba at close range. Colombia grew increasingly frustrated as Ecuador's defence held firm in the second half with Galindez parrying to keep out substitute Jhon Duran and the unfortunate Cordoba blasted the loose ball high and wide from a tight angle. ALSO READ | Rafael Nadal bids farewell to illustrious career after Spain's Davis Cup exit against Netherlands Paraguay draw, Chile win Elsewhere Tuesday, Paraguay earned a 2-2 draw at Bolivia with the home side going ahead in the 15th minute with a confident strike from Ervin Vaca. Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron levelled for Paraguay in the 71st minute with a clinical finish after a smart passing move across the box. Bolivia restored their lead nine minutes later with a Miguel Terceros penalty after Gustavo Gomez brought down Lucas Chavez in the box. Both benches got involved in protests and Bolivian sub Adalid Terrazas and Paraguay's Diego Gomez, who had been substituted, were both shown red cards. Paraguay grabbed a point in stoppage time in some style with a magnificent solo effort from Julio Enciso who dribbled from deep before unleashing a thundering drive from 20 yards out. Ninth-placed Chile have a lot of work to do if they are to make one of the six automatic qualifcation spots but they did their cause no harm with a 4-2 thrashing of Venzeula. Venezuela took the lead thanks to a thunderbolt from the edge of the box from Jefferson Savarino but seven minutes later Eduardo Vargas levelled. Ruben Ramirez restored the lead for the 'Vinotinto' but an own goal from Tomas Rincon made it 2-2 and Lucas Capeda's 38th minute goal sent Chile in with a 3-2 lead at the break. Capeda finished off a swift counter attack in the 47th minute to give Chile their second win of the campaign. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Argentina beat Peru in South American FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers; Ecuador upset Colombia

Argentina shrugged off the injury absence of Lionel Messi to maintain their perfect start at the Copa America on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Peru in Miami. Lautaro Martinez scored twice at the Hard Rock Stadium to seal a win that ensured Argentina advance to the quarter-finals as Group A winners.

With Messi sidelined after complaining of a sore right hamstring, and coach Lionel Scaloni serving a one-game suspension, Argentina made nine changes to their starting XI at the Hard Rock Stadium.

But despite the makeshift-looking line-up, Argentina were always in control against a disappointing Peru side who managed just one shot on goal during a one-sided encounter.

Martinez's first goal came just after half-time. A sublime through ball from Angel Di Maria released the Inter Milan forward, who calmly lifted a deft finish over advancing Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Argentina had a chance to double their lead in the 72nd minute after Jesus Castillo handled in the area to concede a penalty.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/havertz-musiala-on-scoresheet-as-hosts-germany-knock-out-denmark-to-reach-euro-2024-quarters-736436">Havertz, Musiala on scoresheet as hosts Germany knock out Denmark to reach Euro 2024 quarters</a>

But Leandro Paredes crashed his ensuing spot-kick against the woodwork to leave the score at 1-0.

Martinez then grabbed a second in the 86th minute, latching on to a long pass forward before finishing past Gallese.

Replays indicated Martinez appeared to shove defender Aldo Corzo in the build-up but referee Cesar Ramos waved Peru's protest and the goal stood.

"It was tough in the first half because they were defending deep, but the first goal opened up the game," Martinez said afterwards. "There's a lot more to come from us."

Martinez has now scored in four consecutive appearances for Argentina and is relishing his hot streak.

"Every time I put on this shirt, every training session, every meal, every team talk, I enjoy it," Martinez said.

Argentina will now face the runner-up from Group B in the quarter-finals in Houston next Thursday, most likely either Ecuador or Mexico.

In Saturday's other Group A game, Canada held 2015 and 2016 Copa America champions Chile to a 0-0 draw in Orlando, which was enough to see the Canadians into the last eight.

Chile needed a victory to leapfrog the Canadians into the knockout rounds but were left with a mountain to climb early in the game when Gabriel Suazo was dismissed for a second yellow card after only 27 minutes.

"It took a lot of hard work -- it's our first time in this competition and it's not easy," Canada captain Alphonso Davies said about his team's advance to the last eight. "There's a lot of good teams in this competition and a lot of good players. But we stuck to our plan and we played well. We showed a lot of fight. We had to show our teeth at times, but overall, we did well."

Canada will play the winners of Group B in the quarter-finals.

Argentina shrugged off the injury absence of Lionel Messi to maintain their perfect start at the Copa America on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Peru in Miami. Lautaro Martinez scored twice at the Hard Rock Stadium to seal a win that ensured Argentina advance to the quarter-finals as Group A winners.

Argentina shrugged off the injury absence of Lionel Messi to maintain their perfect start at the Copa America on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Peru in Miami. Lautaro Martinez scored twice at the Hard Rock Stadium to seal a win that ensured Argentina advance to the quarter-finals as Group A winners. With Messi sidelined after complaining of a sore right hamstring, and coach Lionel Scaloni serving a one-game suspension, Argentina made nine changes to their starting XI at the Hard Rock Stadium. But despite the makeshift-looking line-up, Argentina were always in control against a disappointing Peru side who managed just one shot on goal during a one-sided encounter. Martinez's first goal came just after half-time. A sublime through ball from Angel Di Maria released the Inter Milan forward, who calmly lifted a deft finish over advancing Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Argentina had a chance to double their lead in the 72nd minute after Jesus Castillo handled in the area to concede a penalty. ALSO READ: Havertz, Musiala on scoresheet as hosts Germany knock out Denmark to reach Euro 2024 quarters But Leandro Paredes crashed his ensuing spot-kick against the woodwork to leave the score at 1-0. Martinez then grabbed a second in the 86th minute, latching on to a long pass forward before finishing past Gallese. Replays indicated Martinez appeared to shove defender Aldo Corzo in the build-up but referee Cesar Ramos waved Peru's protest and the goal stood. "It was tough in the first half because they were defending deep, but the first goal opened up the game," Martinez said afterwards. "There's a lot more to come from us." Martinez has now scored in four consecutive appearances for Argentina and is relishing his hot streak. "Every time I put on this shirt, every training session, every meal, every team talk, I enjoy it," Martinez said. Argentina will now face the runner-up from Group B in the quarter-finals in Houston next Thursday, most likely either Ecuador or Mexico. In Saturday's other Group A game, Canada held 2015 and 2016 Copa America champions Chile to a 0-0 draw in Orlando, which was enough to see the Canadians into the last eight. Chile needed a victory to leapfrog the Canadians into the knockout rounds but were left with a mountain to climb early in the game when Gabriel Suazo was dismissed for a second yellow card after only 27 minutes. "It took a lot of hard work -- it's our first time in this competition and it's not easy," Canada captain Alphonso Davies said about his team's advance to the last eight. "There's a lot of good teams in this competition and a lot of good players. But we stuck to our plan and we played well. We showed a lot of fight. We had to show our teeth at times, but overall, we did well." Canada will play the winners of Group B in the quarter-finals.

Lautaro Martinez hits brace against Peru as Messi-less Argentina advances to Copa America QFs

Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's final Copa America group game against Peru after complaining of muscle tightness, team officials said on Friday.

Assistant coach Walter Samuel told a press conference that the Inter Miami superstar was "day-by-day" following an injury to his right adductor muscle.

"Leo had a problem in the last game, he won't be there for this game," Samuel said. "We are going to go day-by-day waiting for its evolution."

Samuel, meanwhile, played down the impact of Messi's absence on the rest of the team.

"The team has always proven to be up to the task before when he wasn't there," said Samuel, hinting that veteran Angel Di Maria may start in place of Messi.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tests-reveal-river-seine-unfit-for-swimming-one-month-from-2024-paris-olympics-736087">Tests reveal River Seine unfit for swimming one month from 2024 Paris Olympics</a>

Argentina have already booked their place in the quarter-finals after wins against Canada and Chile in their opening two matches.

A draw in Saturday's game against Peru at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will guarantee Argentina qualify for the last eight as group winners.

Argentina is expected to rest several first-choice players against Peru, although Samuel insisted on Friday the world champions would seek a win.

"Peru has top players; we are taking this game with the utmost seriousness," said Samuel, who will be in charge on the bench with coach Lionel Scaloni serving a one-game suspension.

Scaloni and Argentina were sanctioned after the team were late to emerge for the second half in their games against Chile and Canada.

Samuel said Scaloni was "a little bitter" about the suspension.

"We consider ourselves a correct coaching staff and in all these years we've never had these kind of sanctions," Samuel said.

Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's final Copa America group game against Peru after complaining of muscle tightness, team officials said on Friday. Assistant coach Walter Samuel told a press conference that the Inter Miami superstar was "day-by-day" following an injury to his right adductor muscle.

Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's final Copa America group game against Peru after complaining of muscle tightness, team officials said on Friday. Assistant coach Walter Samuel told a press conference that the Inter Miami superstar was "day-by-day" following an injury to his right adductor muscle. "Leo had a problem in the last game, he won't be there for this game," Samuel said. "We are going to go day-by-day waiting for its evolution." Samuel, meanwhile, played down the impact of Messi's absence on the rest of the team. "The team has always proven to be up to the task before when he wasn't there," said Samuel, hinting that veteran Angel Di Maria may start in place of Messi. ALSO READ: Tests reveal River Seine unfit for swimming one month from 2024 Paris Olympics Argentina have already booked their place in the quarter-finals after wins against Canada and Chile in their opening two matches. A draw in Saturday's game against Peru at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will guarantee Argentina qualify for the last eight as group winners. Argentina is expected to rest several first-choice players against Peru, although Samuel insisted on Friday the world champions would seek a win. "Peru has top players; we are taking this game with the utmost seriousness," said Samuel, who will be in charge on the bench with coach Lionel Scaloni serving a one-game suspension. Scaloni and Argentina were sanctioned after the team were late to emerge for the second half in their games against Chile and Canada. Samuel said Scaloni was "a little bitter" about the suspension. "We consider ourselves a correct coaching staff and in all these years we've never had these kind of sanctions," Samuel said.

Copa America 2024: Argentina's Lionel Messi to miss Peru game, team officials confirm