Overview
- Martínez scored in the 43rd minute in Luanda after a move that flowed from Giovani Lo Celso to Lionel Messi, who released him for a first-time finish at the near post.
- The strike brought Martínez to 36 international goals, moving him ahead of Hernán Crespo into fourth place on Argentina’s scoring chart.
- Sergio Agüero remains ahead of Martínez on the national team list, with Gabriel Batistuta and Lionel Messi holding the top two spots.
- Messi’s pass on the play was his 401st career assist, including 61 for Argentina, a tally reported as keeping him clear of Pelé’s 370.
- Argentina created little before the breakthrough, registering only two shots on target in the first half under Lionel Scaloni, with goalkeeper Hugo Marques making a notable save from Messi.