BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- A stunning second-half volley from Lautaro Martinez handed Argentina a 1-0 home victory over Peru in their World Cup qualifier here on Tuesday.
The Inter Milan forward broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when he latched onto Lionel Messi's cross with a bicycle kick that flew into the top-right corner.
The reigning world champions controlled the match thereafter to ease to their eighth win of the qualifying campaign.
Argentina leads the 10-team South American group with 25 points from 12 outings, while Peru is last with seven points so far.
"It makes me happy to know that we've finished the year on a positive note and as leaders," Martinez said after the match.
"It's been a great year personally but I want to keep working hard to improve every day," the 27-year-old added. ■
