Instead, they've already claimed a spot for next summer in Brazil and can focus instead of fine tuning ahead of South America's first World Cup since 1978. None the less, head coach Alejandro Sabella has said in press conferences that his team wants to win the group and with only three points between them and second place Colombia, they'll likely need results to do that.
Missing from the Argentina lineup will be striker Lionel Messi who continues to recover from a thigh problem. He's joined on the injured list by Gonzalo Higuain, Fernando Gago and Javier Mascherano.
Peru are mathematically eliminated and will be left to play for pride.
Match Date/Time: 8:00 p.m. local, 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina will face off against Peru in the World Cup qualifiers on Friday.
Argentina has already clinched a spot in the World Cup next summer with 29 points in 14 games. The team has the top offense in the CONMEBOL with 30 goals scored and also boasts a solid defense with only 11 conceded; only Colombia has had a sturdier defense in qualifying. The team has eight wins, five draws and only one loss; the defeat came against Venezuela on Oct. 11, 2011. Argentina also boasts two of the top three goal scorers in the entire CONMEBOL. Four-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has 10 goals in the competition; Uruguay's Luis Suarez has the same amount. The third highest scorer in the tournament is Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain with nine goals.
